Home Heating & Cooling Basics

04.20

Heating and cooling are 2 of the most important concepts of home ownership. In fact, heating and cooling systems are major factors for those looking to purchase homes, and are a critical part of living comfortably in a home.

You may frequently hear the term "HVAC," which is used to describe home heating and cooling systems. The acronym stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning–which are the 3 primary functions of a home system. They control air temperature and humidity, and maintain the quality of the air in the home.

Central Systems
Heating and cooling systems may be classified as central or local. Central heating and cooling is the most standard method, and is defined by a system that produces warm or cool air in one central area and then distributes it throughout the home. There are many types of systems that work as central systems, from traditional split systems to packaged product systems.

Products typically used in central heating and cooling systems include:

Heat Pumps
Air Conditioners
Gas and Oil Furnaces
Fan Coils
Evaporator Coils
Single Packaged Products
Controls and Thermostats
Local heating and cooling, on the other hand, produces warm or cool air at the location where it is needed and serves small spaces. Room Air Conditioners and Duct-Free Split Systems are examples of local heating and cooling.

Heating
Heating systems keep your home warm and comfortable. If you live in a particularly cold climate, the function of your heating system is a high priority.

Most central heating and cooling systems are classified as forced air systems, because they send air through ductwork for distribution. The ductwork can contain products that filter or clean the air.

Radiant systems create heat and deliver it using components such as radiators that distribute the heat into the home. Boilers are a traditional radiant heat source.

Typical heating products include:

Heat Pumps
Gas and Oil Furnaces
Fan Coils
Boilers
Single Packaged Products
Cooling

Whole-home air conditioning systems are central systems that rely on ducts to deliver cooled air throughout the home. An air-conditioning system provides cooling, ventilation, humidity control and even heating (if using a Heat Pump) for a home. Air conditioning units cool refrigerants like Puron Refrigerant and Freon and deliver them to evaporator coils, which dissipate the refrigerant and blow cool air into ducts for delivery throughout the home.

Products such as room air conditioners are local cooling options for smaller areas within homes. Instead of delivering cooled refrigerant to a coil and then to ductwork, a room air conditioner contains all the components in a single unit and blows air directly into a room.

Air-conditioned homes often have sealed windows, because open windows would disrupt the attempts of the control system to maintain constant temperature.

Typical air conditioning products include:

Heat Pumps
Central Air Conditioners
Evaporator Coils
Single Packaged Products

Specialty Products—Duct-Free Split Systems (DFS)
As the name implies, a duct-free split system does not rely upon air ducts to route treated air through your home or office. Instead, these specialty products are added for a specific room, such as a home theatre, an exercise room, a garage, or other room where adding ducts is impractical. These comfort systems can supply heating, cooling, or both, and are a split-system in that the condensing unit sits outside your home while the indoor unit sits unbotrusively on the wall to control and direct the airflow. These Carrier systems are full-featured and couldn't be any easier to operate.

Typical Duct-Free Systems:

High-Wall Systems
Under-Ceiling Systems
In-Ceiling Systems

Thermostats
The term "thermostat" commonly refers to any unit that controls the operation of a heating and cooling system. Thermostats are used to turn on heating or cooling systems to bring the home to a set temperature. In addition to basic temperature control, programmable thermostats can be used to manage the timing of the system's functions, which can control overall energy use and costs.

Source of article: http://www.residential.carrier.com/knowledge/guides/heatingandcooling101.shtml
Source of image: http://www.chicago-heating-repair.com/blog/category/heating-cooling-equipment/

Posted in

Types of Patio Heaters And Their Fuel Options

09.42

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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Russell_Strider

Posted in

Stay Warm With Underfloor Heating

17.40

Natural sources of energy like oil, coal and gas are dwindling rapidly given their extensive use all over the world. We need to conserve whatever is left for the future because these resources are at the risk of being extinct. We have to make changes in our lifestyle wherever we can and try to use environmentally friendly means for our day to day needs. When it comes to keeping our homes warm nothing can beat the benefits of Underfloor Heating. It's good for your pocket at the same time it's good for our planet as well.

That's because it consumes much less energy than heating means that have been prevalent so far. Less consumption of energy means reduced electricity bills for you and a small contribution to the welfare of our planet.

Electric Underfloor Heating especially is known to be a viable addition to your homes as it is proven to have many advantages. It's hugely popular with masses all over the world who swear by these systems.

It's interesting to note that Underfloor Heating finds its roots in ancient times and has made its strong comeback in recent years. That's because it's perfect for our needs and with the emphasison energy conservation it seems like a healthy alternative.

Why is Electric Underfloor Heating perfect for our homes?

These systems are very easy to install in your homes. You could be living in a modern flat or a traditional home, they work equally well for both.
You can have better results with full proof insulation systems.
You don't have to do any special changes to your floor plan or designs of your house. It can work perfectly with your existing setup and your floor level will not be raised either.
There are no costs incurred for wiring and other fittings because these systems work just fine with your present wiring.
They are suitable for use with different kinds of floors and only minor adjustments are needed in some cases.
You can easily install them on your own. It's a fun thing to do with your family and saves you money.
There is no loss of heat through the roof as seen with radiators, which is a criminal waste of energy.
Your entire house will be heated uniformly as the floor gets warm throughout. But you can choose to have some parts of your house warmer than others according to your needs. It's very easy to do so with the help of regulators.
As your whole house gets heated at one go you don't feel the need for other heating means like radiators in different rooms.
They are a permanent solution for your houses because they are made to last and come with lifelong guarantees. Important parts like thermostats also last for long and are easily available if replacements are needed.
It's not only good for your home but the environment as well because energy is conserved.

Staying warm was never so easy and felt as good.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sturt_Clark

Posted in

The Mission Of D & D Plumbing Heating And Cooling

07.24

The Mission of D & D Plumbing Heating and Cooling is to provide a team of skilled professionals dedicated to serving the community with quality workmanship and service.

As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. So making smart decisions about your home's heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can have a big effect on your utility bills - and your comfort.

•Change your air filter regularly
•Tune up your HVAC equipment yearly
•Install a programmable thermostat
•Seal your heating and cooling ducts
•Consider installing ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling equipment
•Ask about Proper Installation of your new equipment

Posted in

Tips For Boiler Failure In Winter

13.36

Many individuals are interested in tips for boiler failure in winter. Most of the best advice from preventative measures. Having a person make sure that the unit is working properly prior to the cold season is a good idea. Making sure that all of the valves are in place is also important.

Running warm water every day through the pipes is usually a good idea. Making sure that there is no degree of damage to the need to freezing is something that should happen on the coldest of days.

Sometimes taking warm water and splashing it on the unit can be helpful. This does not always work however making sure that the pipes are not cracked is very important. Using sealing products is very important so that the product is weather resistant. Usually when people choose to do this they do not have any major issues.

Speaking of the professional if a person believes that there has been damage to the is always advisable. The amount of damage that can be caused in a few short minutes is very intense. Making sure to have been cleaned at least once per year should cut down on the damage that is done.

Making sure that sentiment does not build up within the machine is important. Proper ventilation needed so that problems do not arise. Reporting any abnormal sounds and lack of warm water is very important. When people do not deal with these issues quickly problems can be made much worse.

Having someone on staff that knows how to answer these questions is usually advantageous especially in a setting such as a school. When people need advice they should go to a person that is qualified to deal with these things. When individuals are clearly confused by what is taking place they usually will need to make sure that they are capable of handling the problem.

Calling a professional is usually the best course of action when someone is not clear about how to find tips for boiler failure in winter. Many times people do not feel comfortable doing this because they did not want to waste any money. The problem is that when people do not have access to this information they often will lose money in the end regardless. Sometimes people have to search through many different methods to find the answers that they need. When someone finds proper solutions life becomes much easier for them.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carolyn_Clayton

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Electric Heaters for Homes - 3 Things That Scream You've Found The Most Efficient Space Heater

08.32

Most people wouldn't know an efficient space heater if it turned around and slapped them in the face, but after reading this, you certainly won't be one of those people. Instead of going out and wasting your hard earned money on a heater that doesn't do the job of heating your home in the best way possible, skip all the nonsense and wasted time by looking at these three things that scream you've found the most efficient space heater.

We've certainly come along way from warming our homes with fireplaces. This is the way George Washington warmed his home in Virginia. It was an idea known as "zoned heat" or fireplace heat. That type of heat, which seems primitive to some now is something we are going back to. We're rediscovering that zoned heat can save energy and cut fuel bills because it cuts down on the workload that's put on the main heating system and gives spaces in the home heat just where it needs it. Zone heaters, also called "space heaters" make it easy for you to tweak the heat sources to your individual needs and tastes. The most efficient space heaters will keep your personal space heated just as if you had your very own fireplace, making it perfectly easy to bask in a fireplace-like atmosphere in any room in your home. One thing that screams you've found the most efficient space heater is a heater's rated efficiency.

It's very important to consider a heater's rated efficiency. However, buying a heater on just this basis alone may not be the best thing for you to do. There's a difference between efficiency and output. Efficiency rating is based on the the percentage of usable heat that's extracted by a given type of heater.

The type is of heater is another giveaway that you have found the most efficient space heater. Space heaters types include, ceramic, convection, and radiant among others. Some come with fans, and others come without a fan. Many people believe that a heater that's equipped with a fan is your best bet for efficiency. Heater fans work just like the blower on a furnace, distributing heat quickly and evenly throughout a room, and a space heater that doesn't have a fan is much like a furnace that does not have a blower. However, many heaters with fans can produce a lot of noise. Oil filled radiators do not have fans. Instead, a fluid is contained in a closed off radiator apparatus. An internal heating system in the heater heats the oil inside. The heat then spreads out into the room and gradually keeps the room heated.

Halogen heaters, perhaps the latest and greatest in heating technology, are also known as reflective heaters. They use a halogen bulb technology. This space heater uses light that gives heat to nearby objects or people instead of just warming up the air. It's comparable to the method the sun uses to provide heat, and it's more of a direct, instant heat.

Ceramic heaters also have a reputation for being energy efficient because they can be operated at lower temperatures, while still giving off the same amount of energy. Ceramic material has unique properties of it's own, making ceramic heaters have the ability to maintain a higher temperature for longer periods of time compared to other electric heaters.

Temperature is another very important factor. If you have found a space heater that has an automatic temperature control, you're bound to purchase a heater that's super efficient. It's a good idea to exclude heaters that don't have automatic temperature control. Otherwise, the space you are attempting to warm up will either be too hot or too cool. As a result, you'll constantly find yourself having to monitor the heating unit. Not only is this inconvenient, but it is also very time consuming.

The most efficient heater will keep your space warm and your energy bill low. Then, you'll be able to spend your hard earned money on more important things and enjoy the good things in life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_Hurr

Posted in

Temperatrue Controls - Mechanical

07.19

Fenwal controls and Barksdale manufacture mechanical temperature control devices. The switches are bi-metal or liquid filled switches that use expansion and contraction to cause the switching. This type of mechanism can be extremely accurate but lacks in displaying the temperature. In todays computerized/automated world this type of control tends to be used for over temperature control or alarm as opposed to the process control point.

Barksdale manufactures liquid filled switches, both for Hazardous areas and normal areas. The switches can be either local or remote mount. They can sense temperatures up to 600 degrees F.

Local mount type temperature switches are installed in the pipe or vessel. In this type of sensor, the filling fluid surrounds the bellows. A negative temperature change forces the fluid to contract - expanding the bellows to actuate the switch.

Remote bulb and capillary type temperature switches allow the switch enclosure to be placed up to 25 feet from the media. These models use a bulb and capillary sensing device which may be ordered in standard six and 12 foot lengths. Extra lengths up to 25 feet are available. Six and 12 foot sensors can be copper or stainless steel with or without protective spiral-wound armor. The 25 foot lengths are armored stainless steel only.

Barksdale's MT1H & T2H Series Temperature Switches provide unmatched performance, quality & reliability in a mechanical thermostat. The single set point MT1H and dual set point T2H, can switch, measure & control temperatures from -50° to 650°F (-45° to 343°C), The optional adjustable differential provides precise control while ambient compensation maintains 1/2% accuracy with external temperatures from -65° to 165°F. The MT1H & T2H Series are electrically rated for 10 amps @ 125/250 VAC & 3 amps @ 480 VAC. Standard 3- & 6-pin terminal strips simplify installation. The MT1H & T2H Series are rated NEMA 4 & 13; the optional NEMA 4X construction protects the rugged die-cast aluminum enclosure from corrosive environments. A remote bulb and capillary sensor is available in copper or stainless steel allowing the switch to be mounted up to 25 feet from the temperature source. Optional thermowells allow the sensor to work in pressurized vessels to 5000 psi. UL listed & CSA approved, MT1H & T2H Series Temperature Switches are perfect for your temperature sensing needs.

Barksdale's L1X, T1X & T2X Series Temperature Switches provide unmatched performance, quality & reliability in a mechanical thermostat - a safe solution for hazardous locations. The single set point L1X & T1X and dual set point T2X, can switch, measure & control temperatures from 50° to 650°F (-45° to 343°C), and meets Class 1, Div. 1 & 2 hazardous location requirements. The optional adjustable differential provides precise control. These switches can be mounted locally for control directly at the source or remotely up to 25 feet. The L1X, T1X & T2X Series are electrically rated for 10 amps @ 125/250 VAC & 3 amps @ 480 VAC. Standard 3 & 6 pin terminal strips simplify installation. The L1X, T1X & T2X Series are rated NEMA 4, 7 & 9 and incorporate stainless steel temperature sensors to handle a wide range of media. Optional thermowells allow the sensor to work in pressurized vessels to 5000 psi. The L1X, T1X & T2X Series are UL listed & CSA approved & ATEX Certified for hazardous zones within the European Community.

Barksdale's ML1H & L2H Series Temperature Switches provide unmatched performance, quality & reliability in a mechanical thermostat. The single set point ML1H and dual set point L2H, can switch, measure & control temperatures from -50° to 450°F (-45° to 232°C), while the optional adjustable differential provides precise control. These locally mounted switches provide fast response and accurate measurements at the temperature source. Both the ML1H & L2H Series are electrically rated for 10 amps @ 125/250 VAC & 3 amps @ 480 VAC. Standard 3- & 6-pin terminal strips simplify installation. The ML1H & L2H Series are rated NEMA 4 & 13; the optional NEMA 4X construction protects the rugged die-cast aluminum enclosure from corrosive environments. Copper or stainless steel temperature sensors are available to handle a wide range of media. Optional thermowells allow the sensor to work in pressurized vessels to 5000 psi. UL listed & CSA approved, ML1H & L2H Series Temperature Switches are perfect for your temperature sensing needs.

The FENWAL THERMOSWITCH was invented in the 1930's to control fish tanks, irons and other simple applications, but it was soon realied that they could be used for industrial, commercial and process applications. They're durability, reliability and accuracy are the strong points for THERMOSWITCHES.

THERMOSWITCH® Temperature Controllers are tubular devices featuring an outer shell made of high-expanding metal and internal struts made of low-expanding metal, with a pair of electrical contacts between them.

When the temperature of the media being measured changes, a corresponding change in the spacing of the contacts provides instant on/of

f control with a small differential, resulting in +1°F precision, depending upon the application.

Series 17000, 18000

PROBE TYPE, SPDT

Series Features:

Fast Response - outer shell is the active sensing member

Precise Control - substantially reduces overshoot & undershoot

Extreme Sensitivity - slow make and break contacts, resolution 0.1°F (0.05°C)

Vibration Resistance - best possible control under difficult physical conditions

Cost-effective, Compact, Simple-In-Operation

Numerous Mounting Configurations

Specifications:

Overlapping ranges from -100°F to 600°F (-73° to 316°C)

1200 Watt resistive load at 120/240 VAC

5/8" diameter THERMOSWITCH® models available

Agency Approvals:

UL and CSA

Applications:

Food service equipment

Packaging equipment

Laminating presses

Agricultural equipment

Fenwal's snap action liquid filled THERMOSWITCH® controllers, the expandable liquid surrounding the bellows is in direct contact with the temperature sensing outer shell providing a fast response for accurate temp- erature sensing.

Series 20000, 21000, 22000

PROBE TYPE, SPST

Series Features:

Individually field adjustable micro-switches

One or two micro-switches

Specifications:

Overlapping ranges from 0° to 300°F (-18° to 148°C)

Ratings to 15 A at 120/250 VAC

Factory preset temperatures available

NEMA 4 enclosure available

Agency Approvals:

UL, CSA

Applications:

Food service equipment

Medical vaporizers

Commercial dishwashers

Based on the differential expansion of metals principle, an increase in temperature causes the stainless steel outer case of the Surface Mounting THERMOSWITCH® controller to expand at a greater rate than the internal bridge assembly.

Because the case is in direct contact with the heated surface, a temperature change is sensed almost instantaneously.

Series 30000

SURFACE MOUNT TYPE, SPST

Series Features:

Fully adjustable

Narrow temperature differential

Compact size

Economical

Factory preset temperatures

NEMA 4 enclosure

Specifications:

Overlapping ranges from 50° to 600°F (10° to 315°C)

1200 Watt resistive load at 120/240 VAC

Minimum contact rating of 100,000 cycle

Options:

Cross mounting bracket

Slotted and extended adjusting screw lengths

Factory preset temperature

Special range calibration

Agency Approvals:

Applications:

Plastic laminating presses

Food warming trays

Popcorn machines

Domestic appliances

Industrial steam cleaners

Anderson-Bolds can supply all of your temperature control needs.

Posted in accurate control, Barksdale, bi-metal, excess temperature, fenwal, liquid filled, mechanical device, over temperature, reliable, repeatable, Temperature, Temperature Control, thermal expansion

Electric Heating Systems

Home Heating & Cooling Basics

Types of Patio Heaters And Their Fuel Options

Stay Warm With Underfloor Heating

The Mission Of D & D Plumbing Heating And Cooling

Tips For Boiler Failure In Winter

Electric Heaters for Homes - 3 Things That Scream You've Found The Most Efficient Space Heater

Temperatrue Controls - Mechanical

Series 17000, 18000

PROBE TYPE, SPDT

Series Features:

Specifications:

Agency Approvals:

Applications:

Series 20000, 21000, 22000

PROBE TYPE, SPST

Series Features:

Specifications:

Agency Approvals:

Applications:

Series 30000

SURFACE MOUNT TYPE, SPST

Series Features:

Specifications:

Options:

Agency Approvals:

Applications:

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