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Heating

An Energy Producing Home In Disguise

November 5, 2009

Who says that a home with cutting-edge energy efficiency has to look like an ultra-modern pod? This recently completed Wisconsin home packs so much energy tech that it makes money by selling electricity back to the grid, and it still keeps a low neighborhood profile.

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“Low-E” Windows Maximize Buildings’ Energy Efficiency

April 20, 2009

Low-E stands for low emissivity, and these windows are constructed to minimize heat transfer through the glass. Since windows are essentially huge holes in the walls of a building, choosing a low-E window design that’s appropriate for local climate and architecture can greatly increase a structure’s thermal efficiency, while reducing energy use and utility costs.

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Tankless Water Heaters: A 2010 Review

January 11, 2009

Tankless water heater have been used in Europe and Asia for 50 years, and they are gaining popularity in the US. Right now they represent about 8% of new sales in the US. Tankless heaters, also called on-demand, flash or instant water heaters, qualify for a $300 federal tax credit.
How efficient are tankless water heaters?

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SolarDucts: Heating Air and Generating Power

June 23, 2008

Solar energy is often used to heat water or generate electricity, but it can also be used to heat air. The SolarDuct is a new device that uses sunlight to heat air before it enter a ventilator. They are modular units that can be installed on buildings with flat roofs.

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Electric Tankless Water Heaters

September 3, 2006

Note: This post has been expanded and updated for 2009!
Tankless water heaters only heat water when it is needed. About 8% to 30% of the energy consumed by a standard water heater goes to keeping the water hot while it’s not being used. New tankless systems heat the water instantly when you turn on the [...]

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Metaefficient: Trombe Walls

February 15, 2006

Incorporating a Trombe Wall into a house is one of the most efficient ways to capture the heat of the sun. They work in the mildest to the most severe of climates.
Basically, sunlight strikes the wall through a window, and the Trombe Wall heats up, causing warm air to flow into a room.

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Efficient Floor

February 8, 2006

Using stone to capture heat from the sun is metaefficient.

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The Solar House: Free Heating

January 2, 2006

People often think of using solar energy for producing electricity, but it is actually easier to harness the power of the sun to heat your home. It’s free heat that has been utilized since ancient times but few modern architects or builders really understand the principles involved. The Solar House, by Dan Chiras, explains architectural [...]

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Efficient Soapstone Stoves by Tulikivi

December 20, 2005

These soapstone stoves are made by the Finish company Tulikivi. They use radiant heat to warm up your house, which is a highly desirable type of heat because it’s even and non-drying. Radiant heat passes through the air in a room, and warms all of the solid surfaces in the room that it “shines” upon. [...]

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Corn Stoves Are Hot Too

October 13, 2005

Corn burning stoves are similar to pellets stoves but use corn kernels as fuel instead. Most corn suppliers are located in the interior states, so these stoves are most useful in those areas. Corn is a fuel that burns clean and does not require a conventional chimney. You can vent corn stoves outdoors by using [...]

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Radiant Flooring Is Sexy

October 13, 2005

Radiant flooring has been in use since the days of the Roman Empire when they channeled hot air under the floors of their villas. Basically, radiant systems heat an entire room evenly — not just in localized spots. It is more efficient than baseboard heating and usually more efficient than forced-air heating because no energy [...]

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Wood Pellet Stoves Are Hot

October 10, 2005

Wood pellet stoves have become very popular this year, due to the fact that heating oil costs have risen 31% and natural gas is up 46%. Pellet stoves are small electric stoves that burn small pieces of recycled sawdust, that have been compressed into pellets. There are a number of advantages to using wood pellet [...]

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Effective Masonry Heaters

September 9, 2005
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Efficient Wood Burning Stoves

February 17, 2005

Woodstoves can indeed be a metaefficient way to heat your home.
Modern woodstoves are an economical and environmentally sound choice for home heating. Wood has a much higher BTU capacity than gas, and wood is a renewable resource.
Older, conventional woodstoves emitted between 30 and 80 grams of particulate matter (smoke) per hour, while the new EPA-approved [...]

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Wood Heating

July 31, 2004

If done correctly, a very efficient form of heating. See this guide to efficient wood burning. See also woodheat.org.

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Comfort Glow Blue Flame Vent-Free

July 29, 2004

Notes from Manufacturer:
Comfort Glow Blue Flame Vent-Free Natural Gas heater
with thermostat. Heats an area up to 1000 Sq. Ft. No outside venting
required. Has a built in safety-Oxygen Depletion Sensor.
Push-button piezo ignition for matchless start. Has 2 heat settings
15000 BTU and 30000 BTU.
Purchase from: Buy
Online or Heater
Shop ($179)

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Mr. Heater’s Portable Buddy Propane Heater

July 29, 2004

Mr. Heater’s Portable Buddy radiant heater provides safe heat for chilly garages, tents, patios, porches, cabins, fishing shanties, truck caps, barns — anywhere you want to stay warm. The Buddy may also be used inside your home, in case of a power outage.
Certified by CSA International (American Gas Association), Mr. Heater’s Portable Buddy heater [...]

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Liquefied Petroleum Gas Convection Heater

July 29, 2004

Notes from Manufacturer:
Very
powerful & cost effective propane convection heater by Dayton
Propane Heating – 200,000 BTU. This Powerful high output propane convection
heater is perfect for workshops/sheds, outdoors, or construction heating.
Variable burning rate – Dimensions: 30/15/16
Uses two 100 pound propane cylinders (not included).
Specifications:

Net Weight: 16 lbs.
Dimensions: 30″ x 15″ x 16″
200,000 BTU
This propane [...]

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Vornado Intellitemp Vortex Electric Heater

July 29, 2004

NOTE: Intellitemp Heaters have been recalled, due to an issue with a faulty “crimp” in the UL certified insulated connector component. Please see more information here.
Notes from Manufacturer:
Vornado’s portable heater generates just the right amount
of heat to meet your particular need. You can set it to keep your feet
warm under your desk or to [...]

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ClearDome 2′x4′ ClearDome Solar Indoor and Outdoor Forced Air

July 29, 2004
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