What Could I Replace Home Heating Oil With?

The cost of home heating oil has surged dramatically over the past few heating seasons. Many families have seen their heating bill rise out of their reach, and some bills have even doubled in size. This is because the price of fuel oil has been steadily rising since 2002 and promises only to get higher.

According to the US Energy Information Administration, heating a home this winter with home heating oil will cost American families approximately $1,500 for an average size home. This same organization has also predicted that cost of fuel oil per gallon will be $.30 or 6 % higher than last year.

To protect themselves against ridiculously high heating bills, many of the millions of consumers that use home heating oil are looking into alternative ways to heat their home. And what they are finding are some surprising, efficient and inexpensive ways that they can replace their traditional fuel oil furnace.

Before we look into the alternative energy sources that you can replace home heating oil with, it should be noted that upgrading to these alternate heat systems costs about the same as replacing your traditional heating system with a new traditional system but costs less to operate. This means that you could actually save money by changing your furnace. And if you need to replace your existing furnace anyway, there is really no reason not to purchase an alternative heating system.

Alternative Fuel Sources You May Not Have Thought Of

Corn, Grain, and Rye – These natural, plentiful fuel sources are ideal for replacing home heating oil. You can burn these materials in an outdoor furnace or an indoor furnace that is specified for these materials. What’s great about using these fuel options is that they burn hot and efficiently heat your home using very little product. And as you probably already know, they are cheap to purchase. You may even be able to grow your own home heating fuel which will further lessen your cost to heat your home in future seasons.

Wood, Wood pellets, and Coal – While these heating fuels are not new, the way we burn them is. Many of today’s wood stoves and furnaces are situated outdoors and pump heat into your home using your existing duct work. The new design also allows for you to burn larger pieces of wood which means that you will be tending your fire a lot let than you may think.

Water: Replacing your home heating oil furnace with a radiant water system is both efficient and cost effective. These systems work by pumping heated water throughout a network of pipes installed in your home.

Solar energy: using solar energy for part or all of your home’s energy needs is also a great way to save money on your winter heating bill. Solar energy is harvested by solar panels and stored until it is needed meaning that you don’t have to worry about not having heat on cloudy, winter days.

It is predicted that the world’s oil supply will be completely depleted in the next 30 to 40 years if consumption continues at its current rate. This means that prices will continue to rise and that one day soon your traditional furnace will be obsolete. That is why now is the time to look into some alternative sources to heat your home.

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What Are the Best Wood Burning Stoves?

What are the best wood burning stoves available on today’s market? Looking for a wood burning stove can be confusing with all the choices and styles, but finding a woodstove that saves money and burns efficiently doesn’t have to be difficult.

High efficiency wood burning stoves come in two basic types: masonry wood burning stoves, which are made with airtight construction for longer burn and more even heat and fit inside an existing fireplace; and freestanding non-airtight wood burning stoves, which are designed for maximum efficiency without creating toxic byproducts like creosote.

A masonry woodstove is constructed of heavy metal and is set inside a traditional fireplace. Masonry wood burning stoves usually require a reinforced floor below them because of their weight, but on the positive side, they are capable of burning a wide variety of natural materials at such intense temperatures that very few toxic fumes are produced and the burn is incredibly energy efficient. Masonry wood burning stoves are often used in places like Russia and the arctic north where bitter cold winters necessitate a fireplace insert capable of producing intense heat over long periods.

Unfortunately, since masonry wood burning stoves almost always have to be custom made and installed they can easily cost five thousand dollars or more for an average sized home. If cost is no obstacle and you like the look of a masonry fireplace more than the look of a freestanding woodstove, a masonry wood burning stove will provide you with a lifetime of efficient and beautiful wood heat. Non-airtight wood burning stoves (for examples and prices visit the C. Johnson woodstove website by clicking here) are engineered to create a high intensity burn without the need for an enclosed fire chamber. This means that the building codes governing their installation are far less stringent than for ordinary woodstoves, and it also means they produce no creosote and no corrosive toxic gases.

The non-airtight wood burning stoves manufactured by the C. Johnson Company produce so little smoke and are so efficient that the amount of ash byproduct is very small; comparable to a high-efficiency pellet stove.

Non-airtight wood burning stoves can also be used for cooking, and are capable of burning very large chunks of wood without any splitting. Since no corrosive exhaust is produced by a non-airtight wood burning stove, the chimney lasts indefinitely and the venting and clearance requirements are much more liberal than for traditional woodstoves.

Although non-airtight wood burning stoves cost a bit more than the kind of freestanding wood stove you might pick up at a home supply store, they cost far less than a masonry insert. When choosing a woodstove, it’s very important to factor in all the costs and all the labor involved over the course of coming years, as well as the aesthetics involved.

Once these elements are taken into consideration, many people find that spending a bit more on a non-airtight wood burning stove or masonry woodstove saves time and money for years to come. Either will provide a high efficiency, pleasant, and practical wood burning experience.

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Water Baseboard Boiler Combines Well With Different Heating Systems

A lot of alternative heating systems available today can be extended by taking advantage of hot water baseboard heating. If you have recently installed one of the newer alternative heating systems such as a solar collector or a wood burner, or if you have installed a coal or corn burner, or a pellet stove or multi-fuel stove, running a water pipe around your heat source to create hot water baseboard heating in another room is not a difficult improvement. Hot water baseboard heating is one good way to get the most out of any of the alternative heating systems currently gaining popularity nationwide.

Unlike most alternative heating systems, conventional oil and gas furnaces are usually centrally located in a home, often in the basement. The heat generated by the conventional oil or gas furnace is then sent through attached air ducts to different rooms by means of a thermostat and a fan. The thermostat turns the furnace on when the temperature in the home falls below a set level, generating heat by burning oil or natural gas. The fan then blows the heat through the ductwork and distributes it throughout the house. Most homes have this kind of forced air heat as their main source of warmth, but with recent increases in the cost of fuel, many people have been exploring alternative heating systems for the first time.

By contrast, many alternative heating systems now available are typically installed in the main living area of the house. A pellet stove, wood stove, or coal stove may not be hooked up to ductwork the way a furnace usually is, and may not power heated air to all parts of the home like those old system did. Because the heat generated by these alternative heating systems is not as easily distributed throughout a house as the heat generated by a conventional furnace, the house may have cold spots and rooms where additional heat is needed.

Hot water baseboard heating is an excellent solution in these situations. Hot water baseboard heat sits flat along the bottom of the wall. Sometimes hot water heat can also be distributed by using a wall, floor, or ceiling panel. A series of fin tubes run from the baseboard or panel back to a boiler or heat source. The boiler or heat source heats and pumps water around the fin tubes, and the air passing over them heats the room. The same alternative heating systems that generate heat in the main part of a house can also be harnessed with special tubing to supply the hot water for the hot water baseboard heating in other parts of the home.

Active solar panels can also be used to heat water for hot water baseboard heating. In all these examples, hot water baseboard heaters heat the surrounding by means of convection. In other words, air is drawn across the tubes filled with hot water and is warmed continuously. The water circulates through the fin tubes without interruption, entering the room as hot water and returning to the boiler to be reheated once that heat has been released into the room. Hot water baseboard heaters tend to maintain a steadier temperature than forced air heaters because the circulation of hot water is constant. Hot water baseboard heaters also tend not to dry out nasal and sinus passages, and they do not kick dust and germ into the air by means of a blower.

Hot water baseboard heaters are especially welcome in bathrooms because of their ability to maintain this steady comfortable temperate. Hot water can also be circulated underneath flooring or inside wall panels. Floors heated with hot water are especially nice in homes with small children. Hot water baseboard heaters can sometimes make it harder to arrange furniture in a room, since they do protrude somewhat from the base of the wall. However, even with this minor limitation, hot water baseboard heaters are much less intrusive that the old radiator-style steam hot water heaters. They are smaller, not noisy at all, and they maintain a lower temperature to the touch than the old steam radiators, making them safer and more family friendly. All in all, hot water baseboard heaters are a great supplement to any of the new alternative heating systems.

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How I Improved Waste Oil Burner Installation basics Simple Steps

Do you dread opening your monthly heating bill? A waste oil burner can put an end to those high rising heat costs. Get the green light on saving both the environment and your budget by installing a waste oil burner.

With each stop at the gas station to fill up making you cringe- quit tossing additional dollars out the window. Go an extra mile with a waste oil burner, getting even more mileage out of your used oil.

A waste oil burner is ideal for a machine shop or garage that generates used oil. The mechanic who services my car uses a waste oil heater to heat his shop. He keeps all the waste oil stored in a 55 gallon drum until he burns it. Used motor oil, transmission fluid, and hydraulic fluid can be used for recycling to supply heat.

Recent court decisions have stated a business owner is liable for his own waste oil, even after its paid removal from the premises, until its proper disposal. A person caught dumping hazardous waste faces fines, penalties and is held responsible for cleanup costs.

A typical household would require two gallons of used oil a day to meet all their electricity needs. Of the 1.3 billion gallons of used oil created in the United States each year, over 200 million gallons are dumped illegally or by accident into our waterways. It only takes one gallon of used oil to contaminate up to one million gallons of fresh drinking water.

A waste oil burner also burns used cooking oil for heat. School cafeterias and fast food restaurants would probably be happy to supply you with free fuel. Units are sold that can even burn unprocessed vegetable oil.

The low end price for a waste oil burner being sold on EBay is from $500 to $1000. There are also more expensive models available. Do-it-yourself plans can also be purchased on EBay. Buying from a reputable dealer like Clean Burn, Burns All, or Shenandoah guarantees you service with a warranty.

Safety features and easy to clean are important factors when deciding on a waste oil heater. A burner chamber made of steel is a better heat conductor than a stainless steel one. A steel combustion heat exchanger is reported up to 87% more efficient. To determine the size unit you need depends on how warm you want the room, how cold it is outside, and the size of the area to be heated. Depending on the climate where you live- a waste oil heater will pay for itself in one to two winter seasons.

The original designer of the waste oil burner, Richard Freuden, built the Mother Earth Waste Oil Heater in 1980. He spent a whopping $2.50 on his invention from discarded junk and scrap metal. In 2006, Roger Sanders re-designed the Mother Earth News waste oil heater. His new design called MEN sounds perfect- quiet, reliable and easy to use.

Leave the high cost of fuel behind in the dust by reducing our oil demand. The less need for oil to be drilled, refined, and transported, should show up in the long run at the pump.

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Using Solar Water Heaters to save money and a bit of the planet

Solar water heaters are an ideal way for you to save money on your home’s heating bills. Since the price of traditional energy products such as electricity, gas, propane and oil are always increasing, there is little doubt that every homeowner would not like to take full advantage of solar powered water heaters. Understanding what they are and how they work is necessary to knowing if they may be a choice for you.

A solar water heater is a heater that is used to heat the water for a home through the use of the sun’s energy. In a traditional home setting, either electricity or gas is used to heat the water used. Instead of using these fuels, the system will take the energy from the sun and store it or use it depending on need. In fact, when they are installed, maintained and used properly, these types of heaters are more economical choices over the other heating options including electricity, dedicated heat pumps and heat recovery units. In short, these will save you a lot of money in the long run.

One of the areas of the world that uses them quite a bit is Florida. There, with all the sun’s glory beaming down on individuals, it makes good sense to try out the use of solar water heaters. There, there are three different types of systems in use. They are either pumped, integral collector stores also known as ICS, or they are thermo siphon.

How Does It Work?

The direct circulation system puts it all into play. It takes potable water that is within the water storage and circulates it from the collectors into the tank. The solar collector is the part that does most of the work. It is usually a metal box with insulation as well as a black absorber plate. This plate collects the solar radiation from the sun and then heats the water within the tank. It is all regulated by an electronic controller.

In the ICS the solar water storage system is actually built into the collector. Water that is in the collector housing is then heated by the sun and delivered by the city or well water pressure to an auxiliary tank. Or, it can be directed right where it needs to be used. Also important to note is that these auxiliary tanks will also contain non solar back up heating systems as well.

Lastly, there is the thermo siphon solar water heating system. In this type of solar water heaters, the system is mounted above the collector to provide for gravity to play its role in the flow of the water. The hot water rises through piping in the collector. Cold water (heavier water therefore) is at the lowest point in the system. The hotter water rises inside the tank. In this system as well as in the ICS, there is no use of pumps and no controllers. Water is always flowing through the collector as well.

The Money Question

Probably the most important question that can be asked is just how much money can be saved when a solar water heater is used. It is important to note that these heaters will vary in their abilities as well as in their cost effectiveness. Everyone’s needs are different and the climate can play a role as well. How much hot water do you use? What size storage tank will you use? What is the price and the type of the backup water heating system that you will use? In a typical setting, though, a seventy gallon per day family can save about $400 per year of electricity if the electricity costs ten cents per kilowatt hour. This is about 50% - 85% of the hot water portion of your monthly energy bill. You can save more if you do not use a backup system, but this is not necessarily something you will want to do.

Through the use of solar water heaters, families around the world are saving hundreds of dollars per year on heating costs. And, when it boils down to which is the better type of fuel to use to heat water in your home, the cheapest and the most environmentally conscious type is the best. In this case, that happens to be the solar water heaters on the market today.

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Using Solar Heat for Home Heating

As fossil fuels like oil and natural gas become ever more expensive and less available, solar heat is becoming increasingly popular for use in domestic home heating applications. Many people are actively looking for alternative forms of energy to use to heat their homes, and for renewable energy sources that can be easily tapped if the current energy infrastructure becomes obsolete. A solar heating system is the perfect solution for many homeowners and provides ready access to the most abundant renewable energy source around: sunlight.

Solar heat for home heating comes in two basic forms: passive and active. A passive solar home heating system makes use of sun-facing house exposures, heat retaining materials (like stone and tile), and interior spaces that naturally trap solar heat (like solariums or trombe walls).

A passive solar system doesn’t ‘do’ anything except store the natural heat of the sun. Homeowners who live in temperate or desert climates can make good use of passive solar heat to keep a house comfortable in the evening and at night, and can thereby avoid using nonrenewable forms of energy to generate heat that is abundant during the day naturally.

Even homes in colder climates can install heat-retaining sun-facing windows that harness solar heat during colder parts of the year (in the form of sunlight) but don’t let the heat back out. Combining such specialty windows in a sunny room with a heat retaining floor can significantly cut back on heating costs and reduce that homeowner’s carbon footprint with minimal investment of money or time.

Active solar heat makes use of solar panels to heat water or air (depending on the kind of system chosen), which is then circulated throughout the house to keep it warm. The cost of installing active solar heat depends on the type and the size of the solar collectors needed. Average costs for active solar heat run between $30 and $80 per square foot, but the cost is reduced significantly if solar collectors are used to heat water for the home as well, reducing utility costs over time.

Active solar heat is somewhat more practical for new construction, since the cost offset begins immediately, but even existing construction in the coldest climates can usually benefit from some combination of active and passive solar heat. Many people wrongly assume that solar heat has to be all or nothing, when actually it is an incredibly flexible resource. Rethinking the use of existing sunlight as a passive solar heat resource and adding a solar water heater are two inexpensive solar options that anyone can tap.

Moving into more expensive whole-house active solar heating systems can become cost effective even for existing construction when government tax credits are factored in, or the cost of nonrenewable energy rises significantly (as it already has in many parts of the U.S. and Canada). Whether a homeowner is looking to reduce utility bills or replace a dated system with a new solar heating system, solar energy is here to stay.

New solar options are being developed every year, and more and more ordinary people are getting onboard. The savings are substantial, and the ecological benefit is priceless.

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Using Coal Stoves Wisely: Tips You Need To Use Them

Coal stoves can be a good way to heat a home. Coal has been used for many years to do just that. But, it is not always as easy to light and keep such a stove running, unless you know how to do it correctly. To help you in this regard, here are some tips for caring for and using coal burning stoves.

When you are first considering the purchase of a coal stove, take the time to determine which the right model is for you. Some will burn both coal and wood while others are limited to just one fuel type. You’ll need to examine your needs for a chimney. Consider the size of the stoves, how they work and how well they fit your needs. The most important factor in selecting the right one is to insure that you purchase a safe model for your home. For older models, insure a professional inspection prior to purchasing and be careful with these. Once you get the units installed into your home, your job doesn’t stop there.

Coal burning stoves do require some maintenance and upkeep. While each model may have its own specific needs to take care of, for the most part you will find these things important to keeping them updated. The Ash Pit: When coal burns, it will level behind ash. What is important to know though is that you should always keep the ash pit as clear as possible. If not, the flow of combustion air can be impeded. And, it will keep the fire from burning efficiently. It can also damage the grates that are used on your stove as well.

The Chimney and Ventilation. Coal stoves must be vented to keep toxic fumes out of your home. But just venting them is not enough. You also need to make sure that they are kept clean. As a fire burns, sulfur is released into the air. Prior to using your chimney for the year, have it professionally inspected for deterioration and cleaned. You should have it cleaned at least every six months if you will continuously use your coal stove.

Keep Up On Parts: Like virtually any other mechanism in your home, it is important to verify that it is properly working before using it. A visual inspection will let you know if something is not working, wearing down or is not in its proper condition. You’ll want to check gaskets, the glass and the grates each time you use your stove.

Tips to Keep Your Coal Stove Burning Well

Here are a few more tips to help you keep your coal stove burning at the most efficient level.

Look for low ash coal. You will find that high quality coal will do a better job of heating the home, have less ash, and will burn overnight as you need it to without a problem.

The chimney. You may need to have your chimney inspected and repaired prior to purchasing or installing your coal stove. Many times, individuals don’t realize if there is enough draft. Again, have a proper inspection done if you're having trouble maintaining a fire.

Using coal stoves to heat your home is a good idea as long as you will keep up on the maintenance of it and purchase an efficient model to do so with.

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Used Wood Stoves: Should They Be Purchased?

Used wood stoves can often be found available in your local classified ads. But, should you purchase them? What could go wrong if you do? Like any product that you purchase that is used, you need to rely on what the user tells you about the condition and quality of the unit. And, not everybody is as honest as you are. The fact is that when you are considering used wood stoves to bring into your home, you need to insure it is of a quality that will keep your family safe.

What to Look For Using Wood Stove

What should you look for when you do purchase these stoves? There are many things to insure before you do so, but here are some of the most important issues for you to insure.

Regulations. Most locations have ordinances and regulations that stipulate that you need to purchase a permit or you need to have the unit inspected prior to using it. For example, if you wanted to install a wood burning stove of any type into your home you probably will need a fire inspector to come out and insure it is safe to use. With used wood stoves, you’ll need to insure that they qualify for inspection.

Air Pollution. Another very important element is how well the used wood stoves will burn. Again, you have no idea if the product was cared for and that means that you don’t know the air quality that it can give you. No unit should be purchased that is not certified by the EPA. If you are not concerned about the air quality, you’ll still have problems with these models because they won’t pass inspection anyway.

Older and wood stoves that have not been taken care of are at risk for producing very toxic pollutants that can get into your home. For example, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde are some of the most dangerous. In this case, you should have the used wood stoves approved by a professional before allowing them to burn in your home.

You should also insure that the used stove will work within your homes structure. For example, in some cases, you will find that used wood stoves that are old do not fit well within the chimneys of today. You should also carefully consider any repairs that may need to be done as these will likely be costly.

If you are installing a wood stove so that you can lower your gas costs, check out the efficiency of the model in question. Make sure that you purchase a quality product, one that will actually save you money. The efficiency of models can be found on their manufacturer’s website.

Yes, you can purchase these used models. But, you should insure that your safety and your wallet are at the front of your mind when doing so. Remember, you’ll need to pay for a professional inspection at the least, plus maintenance, installation, and possibly repairs before you gain any benefits from used wood stoves.

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Underfloor Heating And Solar Water Heaters - A Winning Combination

Underfloor heating can be a model choice for heating your household, efficiently and ecologically friendly. No matter if it is your budget that you are thinking about or the dependence on oil that most have, this type of heating is an ideal consideration for you. Homes that are heated in this manner are actually warmer, more comfortable and they use energy in a better way. When you couple the benefits of underfloor heating with the use of a solar water heater, the outlook gets even better!

Your Budget and Underfloor Heating

While it will cost a considerable amount of money (or time) to install an underfloor heating system, it may still be one of the best decisions that you make. You see, with this type of heating, you are pushing heat into your home with the use of water, a completely renewable source of energy. When you do this, you are allowing water to circulate throughout your home, warming it as it goes only to come back to be reheated and to start the process all over again.

That also means that you are heating your home from the ground up. Instead of trying to force hot air from a vent near your ceiling and heating the highest points of your home in the best manner, you are now heating from the ground up, which means more evenly heated rooms, a more comfortable feel and benefits of no electricity or gas being used.

In Comes Solar Water Heaters

Just because you are using an underfloor heating system doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take this one step further and use solar heating to heat the water, too. In fact, it is one of the most logical ways to compliment what you are doing. By using solar water heaters that use the sun’s rays to heat the water, you are in effect cutting out nearly all of the dependency that you have on other fuels. In addition, you are again using a renewable source of energy that is beyond anything else environmentally and economically friendly.

Allow Them to Work for You

Here’s why it’s so beneficial to use solar water heaters for your underfloor heating needs. You start with cold water. To heat it, you must use some form of fuel or energy. If you have a solar water heater, the heat from the sun has been converted into energy by your solar collection system or solar panels. This energy is used to heat the water. Then, the water flows through your home, allowing the heat from the water to escape into the house. The cooled water then returns to the heater to start the process all over again.

No outside fuels are needed.

Everything is clean burning.

It is completely renewable.

It costs you next to nothing!

As you can see, there are many reasons why you want your heating to be coupled with the help of a solar water heater. Underfloor heating keeps your home warm with all of these benefits and more.

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Top US Home Heating Tax Credits

Citizens of the U.S. who are planning summer home renovations might be surprised to learn they are eligible for generous home heating tax credits if they invest in alternative home heating products or insulation this year. In addition to generous federal energy tax credits, many states, counties, and municipalities now offer subsidies for making major alternative energy upgrades like installing a wind generator, installing solar hot water, or installing solar roof panels.

Unlike tax deductions, U.S. home heating tax credits are subtracted directly from the dollar amount of taxes owed, not from taxable income. Some of these credits are so substantial they can wipe out a tax debt fast. The tax credits are non-refundable credits however; meaning that once a tax debt hits zero, no money will be refunded even if some of the credit still remains.

Some of the best alternative home heating tax credits include:

30% of the cost (up to $1500) or biomass stoves; heating, ventilating and air-conditioning upgrades; non-solar water heaters, insulation, and roofing.

30% of the cost (with NO upper limit) of geothermal heat pumps, small wind turbines, and solar energy systems.

30% of the cost, up to $500 per .5 kW of power capacity for fuel cells to store the energy generated by small wind turbines.

To claim these alternative home heating tax credits, taxpayers must live in the home as their principle residence and must attach IRS for 5695 to their 2010 income tax 1040 form. Homeowners are limited to $1500 in energy tax credits every two years, which works out to $5000 total cost for alternative home heating or energy products every two years. If the entire $1500 credit is claimed in 2010, for example, the homeowner can’t take another energy tax credit in 2011.

This is a limit worth knowing. Multiple upgrades can be made substantially less expensive by spacing improvements so as to always take advantage of the available tax credits. In short, it is best not to greatly exceed $5,000 in improvements every two years for maximum federal support.

Subsidies to help homeowners finance solar and wind energy installations are generally available at the state or local level and vary by region. For example, Ontario is just now beginning to offer subsidies to homeowners who generate their own electricity, and the state of Ohio in the U.S. is beginning an initiative to subsidize solar hot water and the individual level. In the state of Michigan, subsidizes for wind power are offered at the county and municipal level and vary widely, so how much is available in subsidies depends on where a home is located.

To find subsidies that may be available in any given area, start by checking state, country, and municipal websites for that locale. Often manufacturers and installation firms are aware of state and local subsidies and will assist a homeowner in applying for them, but doing one’s own research is a good idea, since not all merchants are created equal, and homeowners might want to price shop without pressure from a manufacturer who is assisting with a subsidy application.

Finally, before installing any alterative home heating or energy systems or products make sure to review local ordinances and property tax structures. In some parts of the country, frustrating as it may be, subsidies are available but zoning laws and property tax structures are prohibitive. Over time, as alternative home heating and energy systems become more popular, these confusing conflicts are expected to be mitigated and the road to energy independence should become a bit less bumpy.

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