Best Alternative Heating Projects for Warm Weather

When people think of alternative home heating, their imaginations tend to drift toward exotic new technologies and cutting edge innovations. Technological innovation is certainly an important part of alternative energy and energy independence, but new technologies often cost big money to purchase and install. Some of the most effective alternative home heating projects involve conservation and low cost insulation strategies, and many small projects can be completed in a weekend or even a spare hour or two.

The following alternative home heating projects are easy, fast, and inexpensive. All can be completed on weekends during warm weather months, and most involve simple conservation measures. Finish a few projects this summer during spare moments and lazy afternoons, and then when cold weather hits again, watch the alternative home heating savings pile up!

Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats are inexpensive and available at any home building supply store. Most come with easy instructions that even do-it-yourself novices can manage in less than one hour. By programming your home to be warm when you are awake and inside, and cool when you are asleep or at work, you save money.

Schedule an energy audit. Most public utilities will come out to customer’s homes and check off areas where energy (and money) is being lost. Some charge a small fee for this. You might think you sealed all the cracks around your windows and foundation, but you might be wrong.

Seal up leaks. Even a quarter inch gap around a doorframe can waste a lot of home heating dollars over the course of an entire winter. Weather string doors and windows, seal leaks with insulating foam, plug up any holes.

Insulate the space between the basement and the house. This large gap is a major source of heat loss and many people ignore it. Plugging this leak can be as simply as shoving strips of insulation batting into the space between the foundation ledge and the framing for the house.

Measure attic insulation and upgrade if necessary. When was the last time you checked your attic insulation? In the U.S. bringing insulation up to regional recommendations qualifies homeowners for an income tax credit.

Upgrade your alternative home heating system. Does your pellet stove need a thermostat or blower? Now is the time to install minor add-ons to your system. Make your own thermal shades or draperies. Thermal window dressings can save lots of cash and you don’t need special sewing skills to make them yourself. For instructions check out Mother Earth News.

Conservation may not be the most exciting alternative home heating strategy, but it can certainly be a money-saving one. Energy experts always point out that energy conservation should come first, with green technologies filling in the gaps. You don’t have to spend big money to save big money on alternative home heating you just have to be willing to expend a little effort while the sun shines.

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Proof That Choosing Biomass Boiler Really Works

The biomass boiler may be one of the answers to our needs for an environmentally friendly renewable heat source. You may be wondering what a bio mass boiler is. Considering everyone knows a boiler is simple furnace that boils water, the only question is what exactly biomass is. Biomass is the product of any living organic plant or substance that is typically left over after it dies. Examples include peanut shells, corn husks, wood, bark, sawdust, and pretty much every other plant item you can think of.

Why is biomass considered to potentially be one of the safest renewable sources of energy around? Because biomass comes from plants, when they are burned they produce no net carbon dioxide. Unlike the large amounts of carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere from fossil fuels, biomass originates from plants that draw carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This same carbon dioxide is then released back into the atmosphere when biomass is burned. Therefore, there is no net increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide. Along with these environmentally friendly aspects, there is also the fact that biomass is completely renewable. These all add to the advantages of the biomass steam boiler, which is run strictly on biomass fuel.

How does a biomass boiler work?

It essentially utilizes the heat given off by the combustion of biomass to heat water, which is then used in a number of ways from a hot shower to central heating. There are a number of biomass boilers on the market, and they differ in their size, operation and efficiency. Although some larger boilers may be more efficient, they may be too large for household use. A bio mass boiler should be chosen that fits the job it will be utilized for, be it central heating for a household or even industrial use.

A biomass steam boiler could easily save you a significant amount of money on heating bills because biomass is typically cheaper than natural gas at today’s marker prices. The efficiency of a given boiler typically depends on the particular design. Usually, the boiler with the higher surface area of pipes with water will be more efficient at transferring heat to the water that is being boiled. Steam boilers have the added advantage of easily transferring heat all around the house very quickly without condensation taking its toll on the pipes over time.

The biomass boiler is a viable option for the heating needs of the average household. Although it will cost a significant amount to install, you will reap the rewards of having an environmentally safe, carbon dioxide neutral, renewable source of heat energy. Not to mention the savings on fuel which can be in excess of a few hundred dollars each year. If you have a readily available source of biomass such as a yard of a wood, considering an efficient biomass boiler for your household might be a very good idea.

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Cast Iron Wood Stoves: Eco Friendly Heating Appliances

Cast iron wood stoves refer to the wood burning heating appliances used to keep your house warm. Traditionally people used to place these stoves away from the wall. However, there are newer models of cast iron stoves that you can place as close as eight inches from the wall.

Cast Wood Iron Stoves - Different Models to Suit Your Budget

A large range of cast iron stoves is available these days. It is up to you whether you want to buy a traditional stove or a stove with a contemporary look. Cast iron stoves are made of cast parts bolted together. Appearance of the stoves differs with the material used on the stove exteriors. These materials include plate steel, sheet metal, or a combination of these materials. These stoves are available in several attractive colors. You can select a cast iron wood burning stove to complement the d�cor of your living room. You can even look for stoves with marble or porcelain cover that give a different look to the stove. Difference styles and designs of iron stoves allow you the flexibility to choose one according to your requirements, preference, and budget.

Some manufacturers offer only traditional cast iron wood stoves. However, others make innovative stoves with new and advanced technological features. Several stoves come with large size glass doors to make the flames visible. Another model goes one-step ahead by using infrared barrier in the glass to facilitate reflection of heat back into the firebox. Furthermore, some self-cleaning models have airflow system that automatically removes soot and smoke from the glass doors. Other additional features of cast iron woodstoves include thermostats, insulated door handles, removable ash pans and blowers.

Safer Heating Solutions

Cast iron stoves are much safer than other heating appliances that use gas. With a wood stove, there is no risk of igniting the gas in the air, and starting a fire, when you light a match. There is no risk of somebody leaving the gas on and making you breathe harmful fumes. Unwanted smoke is expelled out with the help of a pipe that goes either through the ceiling or through wall.

In addition to beautifying your house, iron wood stoves also prevent pollution by not using any non-renewable fuel. You help in creating a pollution free environment for the future generations when you prefer wood stoves to other heating appliances using non-renewable energy.

Few Points to Check before Buying Cast Iron Wood Stoves

How would you ensure whether a particular stove is of good quality? Checking the quality is an important step before you take a decision purchase a cast iron wood stove for your home. Check for its castings, welds, doors, draft controls and appearance. If the stove has clean castings, smooth welds, tight doors, smooth draft controls, and the appearance of good workmanship, then you may consider buying the cast iron wood stove without any doubt.

To avoid the possibility of any burnout almost all wood stoves have firebricks and metal plates. These materials also increase the storage medium of heat, known as thermal mass, and the life of the stove as well. The size of the stove you choose determines the duration of heat radiation from the wood stove. Duration of heat radiation of a 500-pound stove would be better than the heat radiation period of a 250-pound stove.

Consider all the aforementioned aspects and make proper checks before purchasing a cast iron wood stove for your house. This is necessary because the stoves one time purchases and involve considerable amount of money.

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Before You Buy a Radiant Heating System

Installing a radiant heating system should not be taken lightly. There is a lot of research that should be done to ensure that you get the right system that will complement both your home and your heating needs. Here are just a few questions that you should ask yourself before deciding which type of radiant system you wish to install or if you even want to install one at all:

Do I want my new radiant heating system to be the sole source of heat for my home? If so, you will need to consider a hydronic system that uses preheated water to heat your home through a series of pipes laid beneath your sub floor. While there are other types of radiant systems that use energy sources such as electricity, air or wood, these systems may not be efficient enough to heat your entire home, unless the house is designed from the start to be heated completely with such a system. These are best used as a supplemental heat source or to heat certain areas of your home.

How much construction to install a new radiant heat system?

Hydronic heating systems are best installed in new constructions due to the fact that the pipes needed to circulate the heated water throughout your home are installed in a bed of light concrete below your sub floor (though they can be installed underneath a wood floor, this is not the best way to. While new technology has made it possible to install these systems in existing homes, the installation usually involves a major remodeling project. Electric systems, on the other hand, can be installed on top of your existing sub floor directly below your tile or carpeting.

What type of flooring will I install over my radiant heat system?

Since a radiant floor heating system heats your home by radiating heat through your floors and into your home, the type of flooring that you place over the system is very important. Flooring, such as ceramic tile, will heat quickly, hold onto the heat, and transfer it readily. Carpet and vinyl, on the other hand, can work as insulators and keep the heat trapped beneath the sub floor. If you must have carpeting, choose a floor covering that will allow the most heat through possible.

What type of energy source will heat the water for my hydronic radiant heating system? As you already know, hydronic systems use heated water to warm your home but how does that water get heated? The answer lies in a boiler system that is powered by one of several ways including gas, oil, electric, solar power or geothermal power.

How much maintenance do you want to perform on your radiant heating system? Hydronic heating systems are very intricate. They require professional installation and upkeep. Electric systems, though, can be easily installed by any homeowner and require little to no maintenance.

As you can see from just these few questions, there is a lot to consider when choosing and installing a radiant floor system. The upside is that one of these systems can keep you comfortable for years to come and can on average save you up to 40% of your current traditional heating bill

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Before you buy a corn burning fireplace insert – read this!

A corn burning fireplace insert is a device that you can fit into your existing fireplace structure and enjoy much economic heating. This insert works on a relatively new concept to heat your house. We have been using wood burning appliances to keep our house warm for hundreds of years. Now a new version of these heating appliances has entered the market. A corn burning insert uses corn as fuel, instead of wood, gas or oil. The most impressive thing about corn burning stoves and fireplace inserts is that they use shield corn as fuel. Corn is least expensive in comparison to other fuels available today. In addition to being economical, there are some other advantages of using a corn burning fireplace insert. However, before we delve on the other advantages of corn burning heating appliances, let’s have a look at its economic aspect vis-à-vis other fuels.

Comparative Study of Different Fuels

Here is a cost comparison of effective cost to produce one million BTUs of heat:

• Using natural gas as fuel would cost you around $13.


• Wood pellets as fuel may cost you around $11.


• Fuel oil will make you spend $12.


• LP Gas will cost you $11.50.


• Depending on your region, electricity may cost you as much as $21.


• You can generate the same amount of heat using Corn as fuel by spending as little as $3.50.

Sounds amazing, but it’s true. Corn is the most cost effective and convenient fuel for home heating solutions. Now more people are getting aware of the fact, increasing the demand and popularity of corn burning fireplace inserts. The amount of heat generated by a corn burning fireplace is so awesome that it really surprised some people who tried corn for the first time. Some people found the heat too strong for one room and they are now using the same device to heat other rooms as well.

Other advantages of a corn burning fireplace insert

A corn burning fireplace insert uses corn as fuel, which is abundantly available in the country. Homegrown corn may also be used. By using corn as fuel, you are helping the local farmers and contributing for adding new jobs. Growing corn as fuel will bring jobs to local farmers, as well as reduce the dependence on expensive petroleum fuels.

Corn burning fireplace inserts burn fuel so efficiently that you do not need to install a chimney. It produces very little amount of fumes or no fumes at all. A four-inch pipe is sufficient to expel any unwanted smoke or air through an outside wall. That offers you the liberty of installing a corn burning stove or fireplace insert in the room of your choice. Moreover, a corn burning insert is virtually smoke free and does not pose the danger of harmful fumes or explosions.

Easy operation

A corn burning fireplace insert is easier to install and operate than most conventional wood stoves. It requires less frequent refueling than any other kind of wood burning appliance. If you buy the fireplace insert with a larger hopper capacity, it may keep you free from the need for refilling for several days. The process of refilling is also very easy. All you need to do is just pour shelled corn into the hopper. A small screw or auger controls the feeding of corn fuel into fire chamber. You can control heat output by adjusting the auger. The automatic model comes with a built in wall thermostat. Besides, you may choose a model with glow plug igniter to light the corn.

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Antique Wood Stoves- Heating In Style

When antique wood stoves was more rich and worthy to serve for the general atmosphere like modern situation but it was century years ago. A wood stove is a heating device that you can use as a stand-alone heating equipment or use as a fireplace insert. Antique wood stoves are popular because besides adding to the beauty of your home, they keep your house warm and can cook the food as well. Around the world, people have been using wood stoves safely and conveniently, for hundreds of years.

Antique Wood Stove - Not Only a Showpiece

Antique wood stoves are certainly a collector's item and would be a treasured item if you were fond of antique collectibles. If you buy an antique stove, then you are not buying just a showpiece to add to the beauty of your house. A great deal of the antique stoves is uses for their rank. Most of the people conduct it for their household activities. These stoves are very convenient to use and are not bothersome to maintain. There has been no significant change in the basic design of wood stoves over the last century. Therefore, you are not trading in any kind of modern convenience when you buy an antique stove.

Antique wood stoves are a natural choice for historically themed hotels and tourist spots. They add to the authenticity of these places while working as any other heating and cooking appliance. Similarly, they're also perfect to restored homes and museums. These days you can even buy an antique looking wood stove that has the looks of an old stove and yet has all the features of contemporary stoves. This way you can enjoy the antique looks and yet do not compromise on the features that modern stoves offer.

Safer Heating Devices

Safety is another important factor in favor of antique wood stoves when compared to many fireplaces, cooking stoves and heaters that use gas. If you light a match, there is no risk of igniting the gas in the air and starting a fire. You should always use this gas because of crashing into crack. No matter how old antique stoves are, you can always expel any unwanted smoke with the help of a pipe that goes through the ceiling or the wall.

Eco Friendly Stoves

Antique wood stoves are eco-friendly and do not use any non-recyclable fuel like coal or gasoline. You can available find this wood stove than any other fossils. Listed below are some popular styles of antique wood stoves:

Victorian Stoves: These stoves are in vogue since the later part of the nineteenth century. These early kitchen stoves were usually made of cast iron. Nickel was used to adorn the stoves.

Country Stoves: These early twentieth century stoves are almost similar to Victorian Stoves except for the nickel highlights and clean, crisp casting.

Retro Stoves: These extremely popular stoves of the 1930s are simple updated version of above-mentioned models.

Cylinder Stoves: Because of their peculiar design, anybody can easily recognize these Antique Wood Stoves. For conducting the normal ground, you can unbelievable power.

Parlor Stoves: These beautiful stoves were the center of interest in Parlor rooms in the Victorian age, artistically designed with cherubs, mythological figures and floral designs. To make their as a fuel, they were more embellishment. Manufacturers of wood stoves are offering modern wood stoves with all contemporary features that mimic the style and looks of these antique wood stoves. These are just a few options for antique style wood stoves available. You can select the one matching your personal preference and heat in style. Alternatively, just select an antique looking stove with all the modern features for a perfect confluence of classic elegance and modern comfort.

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Antique Wood Burning Cook Stove Basics

For some having an antique wood burning cook stove for their décor is not only a decorative decision, but one that brings back fond memories of times past. Gone are the days where homes were heated from these wood burning cook stoves and they were the focal point of a room when families gathered around them to enjoy meals together, play cards, or even visit with friends.

Once you have made the decision to purchase an antique stove, you will need to research the ones available in order to make certain that it will be a perfect fit for your home, both for size, functionality, and for safety. There are many places you can browse for an antique wood burning cook stove, depending on your own resources. The Internet is a fantastic place to start browsing for such a purchase. Here you can search through online catalogs, find vendors in your area or ones that are willing to ship to your area, and research the costs of obtaining such a purchase.

There is nothing more welcoming in a Victorian style kitchen than a warm, elegant antique wood burning cook stove. These stoves are nostalgic of times where family was the most important part of people's lives, where families grew up together and kept close ties to one another with activities in their homes. With the early 1900's, these wood stoves were essential for homes for heating and cooking for the family, creating an essence of security and an atmosphere that many try to still obtain to this day.

Depending on your budget and housing placement of your antique wood burning cook stove, you are sure to find a product that will suit you tastes. You can find assorted cook stoves ranging in cost anywhere from $1,800 up to over $4,000, contingent on what size of stove and what features you choose for your final purchase. Aspects such as conversion to gas or electricity will have an effect on what type you prefer, as well as where your new exquisite purchase will sit in your home. You may have to rearrange furniture in order to make the placement of your newest focal point more visually appealing.

Many antique shops have access to restoration companies who have these styles of cook stoves for sale, or know of someone who does. Be sure to make yourself known around the antique circuit, put the word out if you know exactly what type of stove you are looking for and someone is sure to contact you with that style for your home. Do not rush your purchase since you are spending a great deal on a functional piece for your home, you want to be totally satisfied with your purchase.

Once you have made a decision and purchased the antique wood burning cook stove that you desire, delivery and installation are your next steps for your purchase. Many companies provide delivery service but can be expensive if you choose an outside courier that delivers only curbside and will not bring the product into your home. Your best bet is to use the delivery service provided from the retailer that you bought your stove from. Your stove will be totally insured, delivered to their specifications and your high expectations, without the added stress of having a 3rd party involved in your extraordinary purchase.

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Electric Wood Splitter Get Your Own Wood When You Need It

If you own a wood burning stove, then the electric wood splitter is a must have. Employing the use of a wood burning stove is very cost efficient, especially with the prices of gas and electricity in today's times. It cost very little money to gather your own wood for fuel to burn and is even cheaper to use. Many people will go out and buy wood that has been split already. This also cost you money that you can be saving. With the use of an electric wood splitter, you gather your own logs and use just enough electricity to split your logs and be done with the job until more wood is needed.

There are those of us that remember splitting wood with the use of a maul. This is a tool that somewhat resembles a combination of a sledge hammer on one end and an Axe on the other. This maul was used with the help of a wedge to split the wood. This required a lot of back breaking work to split enough wood to last a while. The use of the electric wood splitter makes this work much easier. No longer must we swing the weight of a maul around in order to split wood. Not to mention that it greatly reduces the amount of time spent splitting wood.

There are many types of wood splitters available on the market, such as gas powered wood splitters. However, the use of this type of wood splitter can cost more money in the long run, especially with gas prices going up. The electric wood splitter drives a log through stationary blade with the use of a piston. This greatly reduces the amount of time splitting wood and is much easier to do. There are models that have certain features that can prevent parts that have just been split from falling away. This makes it easier for the operator to move the logs around if it is necessary.

As with any piece of equipment, safety is always an important issue and should always be considered. When operating an electric wood splitter, be sure that you have the proper protective equipment that will aid in injury prevention. Before using the electric wood splitter, you will want to be trained in the operation of the machine. It is important that others stay clear from the work space of the electric wood splitter when in use. This will prevent bystanders from being injured by flying or falling debris that comes from the split log.

An electric wood splitter is great to use around the home or out in the field. You can split the logs in the field with the use of a portable power generator. Though you will use gasoline for the generator, you will be able to earn the money back that is used for the gas. If you wish to save money on your wood burning bill, then consider using one of these electric wood splitters and watch the money that you save begin to pile up.

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What is geothermal heat and How Does It Work

Many persons ask the question, "what is geothermal heat" and it tends to come up more so as the gas prices keep increasing. Most people use one of two types of heating. More than likely you use a fuel powered furnace that burns gas, oil or even propane or you may use electric powered pumps. In any case, these options are not often considered the best because they are subject to the ever increasing rise in energy prices and they also pollute the air because they are burning fuel. A solution to these problems is geothermal heat.

Yet, that doesn’t answer our, what is geothermal heat, does it? Geothermal heating is the use of the Earths stored heat within the soil. The Earth is capable of storing a large amount of heat, actually within the soil. You probably do not realize that the heat energy within the Earth is maintained at between 50 degrees to 70 degrees Fahrenheit at the soil and near surface rocks. So, with this heat source in the very soil you walk on, it is easy to see the idea behind this type of heating.

How Energy is found

Still, what is geothermal heat? But, just because the heat source is there, that doesn’t mean we know how to access and use it, right? In geothermal heating, scientists have found out how to do just that. Not only do they know that it is there, but through measures have figured out how to tap into it. The use of a geothermal heating system allows for this. It is also known as a ground source heat pump. These units capture the steady supply of heat energy that is stored within the Earth and then move it from the Earth into an area such as a building or even a home.

By pumping this heat into the buildings, there is much less energy use in play and, you’ll find that there is no burning of fuels, not pollutants getting into the air that is breathed and not shortage of heat because the Earth naturally manages the heat source. So, when asked what geothermal heat is, it is safe to say that it is a safe, clean source of heat that can easily be obtained, used efficiently and very cost effective as well.

Why isn’t Everyone Using it Then?

With a seemingly endless increase in energy prices, it makes sense that more people wouldn’t be asking what geothermal heat is, but the fact is that most individuals do not know anything about it. This is a sad case though because as you can see, it is an excellent option for many people. But, the sad fact really is that there is just not enough information about this source of heating available to the general public. Of course, once it does get out there, there will be many people reluctant to change their ways, like in any big movement.

Yet, today, more so than yesterday even, there is less fuel for traditional types of furnaces to burn. Today, there is less oil, less propane and less gas than there was yesterday and that is the reason why many millions of people will be turning to products like geothermal heating to heat their homes and their businesses. In Wisconsin, one of the coldest areas of the United States, they are tapping into this type of heating source. And, in doing so, they are drastically dropping energy prices. Yet, it is not just there that it would work so well.

When you ask, what is geothermal heat, think to yourself that it is a renewable, natural heat source that is stored within the Earth. It is untapped heat that is completely safe and quite effectively pumped into a home or into a business. In doing this, a product is created that uses no fuel and is renewable which means that it will be continuously there for our needs. If you do not want to think of the environmental benefits to the use of geothermal heat, then think instead about the fact that it will save you most of your energy bill each month; not a fraction, but most of it. That’s what makes geothermal heating hot.

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Alternative Home Heating Sources Basics

Alternative Home Heating Sources Basics There are many alternative home heating sources that are out there for you to consider. Many people are looking for cheaper alternatives to natural gas as well as electricity, and there are many available. Some of them are more feasible than others, but they do take into account the environmental ramifications as well as personal cost savings that these alternatives may provide in the long run.

Solar heating panels as alternative home heating sources can be very efficient and very environmentally friendly. In most cases these do need to be replaced about every 20 years and can be very effective depending on the style and the materials that they are made of when it comes to home heating efficiency. Make sure that you look into the manufacturing as well as consider getting a sun tracker that will move the panels so that are at maximum absorption when considering this alternative to fill your needs.

Wood pellet stoves make excellent alternative home heating sources as they are able to provide heat at a much lower cost. These are also more environmentally friendly as they primarily use wood waste as opposed to needing new wood to work. Make sure to analyze the safety as well as the in home needs when looking into pellet stoves. However you must take into consideration how efficiently that they will heat as well as if your home will be able to accommodate them easily.

Geothermal may be one of the alternative home heating sources that you are considering, but this is easier said than done. This alternative does seem to work best when it used in conjunction of another heat source in order to maintain its efficiency. It is much easier to start a home with this type of heating than it is to add it on as the installation of pipes 6-9 feet below the ground and under your home will need to take place for this type of heating to work best.

Wood burning stoves as alternative home heating sources have one major drawback and that is that they are not very environmentally friendly. Otherwise, they do not have to take up a lot of room and in most cases these stoves can use the existing chimney that is for the furnace if there is one. These stoves work very efficiently and can produce a lot of heat, however they are in constant need of fresh wood and this is somewhat damaging to the environment.

These are just some of the various types of alternative home heating sources that are out there. In most cases these sources are more environmentally friendly and cost effective than the two predominant ones that are currently being used. Remember to look at the overall savings that switching to an alternative heat source will provide, not just looking at what it will cost to switch and making a determination based on that. Not all alternative home heating sources are going to be more cost effective, however for the most part they will be less dependent on our fossil fuels and more dependent on renewable resources.

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