Three types of heat. Heat, by laws of physics, is transferred by three methods–convection, radiation and conduction. Convection is the transfer of heat from one area to another by moving air. Radiation is the movement of infrared electromagnetic rays through air with virtually no warming of the air but...
home heating
Furnaces
Furnace efficiency. Today, new furnaces are generally between 80-96% efficient. If a furnace is 96% efficient, it simply means that 96% of the energy that goes into the furnace is converted into heat. Older furnaces or furnaces that are in homes that are 15 years old or more, can...
Energy Savings Checklist
This is a great check list to help with home energy savings. Consider that you can save $300-$500 per year by addressing these simple items. Does my attic scuttle have weatherstripping to create an air seal? Does my shower head output less than 2 gallons of water per minute?...
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Are geothermal heat pump worth the cost? Short answer: YES. Recently a client of mine asked me about the basics of Geothermal Heat Pumps (also known as ground source heat pumps). While the initial expense associated with the installation is about twice (or more) than a typical air to...
UV Technology
Clean the air in your home with UV? A healthy home buzz that has been going around is installing ultraviolet (UV) lights in air returns in your home to kill germs, viruses, mold, and bacteria before circulating back into your home. The UV lights in air returns can be...
Single Stage vs. Two Stage Furnace
Most furnaces either have all of their burners lit or all turned off. However, over 80% of the time, it is not necessary to have all of the burners of the furnace lit to meet the heat demands. Having all of the burners lit when it is not necessary...
Furnace Energy Saving Tip
Today, new furnaces are generally between 80-96% efficient. If a furnace is 96% efficient, it simply means that 96% of the energy that goes into the furnace is converted into heat. Older furnaces in 15+-year-old homes, can be as low as 60% efficient. Thus, upgrading to a 96% efficient...
