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Friday, August 8, 2008

Oilheat has just gotten smarter - it's eating its vegetables!-BioHeat

Oilheat has just gotten smarter - it's eating its vegetables!

Bioheat — heating oil blended with biodegradable, organic materials such as soybean oil — is one of the “hottest” things happening in home comfort. Renewable and non-toxic, Bioheat is not only kind to Mother Earth; it’s kind to heating systems, too.Bioheat Characteristics:
Domestically produced, soy-based Bioheat can literally be grown at home — helping to support our nation’s farmers and reducing our dependence on foreign oil.
It is extremely clean burning.
It has the highest Btu content of any alternative fuel.

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Oilheat has just gotten smarter - it's eating its vegetables!Bioheat — heating oil blended with biodegradable, organic materials such as soybean oil — is one of the “hottest” things happening in home comfort. Renewable and non-toxic, Bioheat is not only kind to Mother Earth; it’s kind to heating systems, too.Bioheat Characteristics:
Domestically produced, soy-based Bioheat can literally be grown at home — helping to support our nation’s farmers and reducing our dependence on foreign oil.
It is extremely clean burning.
It has the highest Btu content of any alternative fuel.Bioheat Benefits for Homeowners:
Bioheat produces the same satisfying heat as “regular oil.”
It costs just about the same as “regular oil.”
It lubricates heating system.
You don’t have to make any modifications to your burner or tank.
You don’t have to buy any new equipment.
You don’t have to change your budget plan, payment plan, service contract or warranties.Wondering what makes up Bioheat? These every-day products of nature can be used to produce the alternative environment-friendly fuel:
• Avocado• Brazil Nut• Calendula• Cashew• Castor Bean• Coconut• Coffee• Corn• Cotton• Euphorbia• Hazelnut
• Hemp• Jojoba• Linseed• Lupine• Macadamia Nut• Oat• Oil Palm• Olive Tree• Palm• Peanut• Pecan
• Pumpkin Seed• Rapeseed• Rice• Rubber Seed• Safflower• Sesame• Soybean• Sunflower• Tung Oil TreeTesting conducted by the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) found that a Bioheat blend of 80% low-sulfur heating oil and 20% biodiesel (B20) reduced sulfur oxide emissions by as much as 80% or more. Nitrogen oxide emissions were lowered by about 20%. In addition, carbon dioxide emissions can be lowered by 20%. If everyone using heating oil used a B5 blend (5% biodiesel/95% heating oil), 400 million gallons of regular heating oil could be conserved. This would be a big step towards conserving oil, and reducing greenhouse gas emission. information brought to you from http://www.oilheatamerica.com

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Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Keeping Your Home Maintained Saves You Money In The Longrun

Everyone that buys a house for the first time goes through the same learning curve. There are a hundreds of aspects of your house that require regular maintenance and upkeep, but unfortunately there isn’t a manual that I am aware of that will tell you everything you need to know. Here are some common areas of the house that need regular attention and ideas to fix these issues. Some may seem simple but even the easiest things need some sort of solution. You might need everything on this list or you may only need one, but it is all important stuff to know. Doors take a constant beating from repeatedly opening and closing them multiple times each day. These entry way doors evenutally need adjustment. Doors hinges will eventually move because of wear and tear and also because of expansion in warmer months. Be aware of the hinges and the movement of the screws that are in the hinges. From time to time these need to be adjusted, otherwise your door will start to sag or stick. Keeping up on this will prevent future problems.
Window sometimes become difficult to close. Make sure no debris has lodged into a window opening and make sure the windows are still on track. Trying to force a window is never a good idea. By making sure the rubber seals around the windows are in good shape can be the difference between losing hundreds of dollars in heating and cooling expenses.

Crack sealing – Houses settle and each year there are always new cracks. They have to be caulked or filled properly to avoid drafts and further expansion. It is always a good idea to do a seasonal inspection of your foundation to identify any cracks or potential problem areas. It can prevent water from getting into the problem area. A filled crevice will prevent unwanted insects (or worse) from gaining access to your house.

Regular drain maintenance is a must. Hair builds up in bathroom sinks and food residue sticks into the kitchen drain. Either clean with a wire brush, or by opening the pipes (with a pipe wrench) or get some sort of “draino” to keep that water flowing.

Check on your Bathroom Sink Stopper – this is a common part of the sink drain that comes apart. I see this in many homes, it is an easy fix, but you got to have some patience. Look under the sink and see if it is connected properly. If so you should have little problems.

Recaulking the bathroom shower tub and removing mold with bleach, is a great way to prevent sickness and clean up the look of your tub. Scrape off the old caulk and apply fresh new caulk that is specially designed for the shower and bath. It is easy to do and will make your bath look newer. Make sure to spray with bleach and keep the area ventilated while you do this job.

Save paint from any paint job. You never know when you need touch up paint around the house. If you do not have the saved paint, you can take a chip of the used paint to a good paint store. Any Sherwin-Williams store should be able to match the paint by taking a small piece.

Finally make sure to check light fixtures, outlets and thermostats. All these things need a regular “once over” to ensure proper service. If all these things are done, you will have a better understanding of your houses needs and will prevent future problems.

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When You Don’t Need To Call A Plumber

Don’t get me wrong. A good professional plumber is worth his/her weight in gold when you have a serious problem with your plumbing system. Over the years I’ve had to make that call and I’ve been more than satisfied with the quick response and competent work that has been done. The only thing that hurt a bit was the bottom line when I wrote out the check.

It’s interesting that topics such as this are not a part of the typical high school curriculum. As a former educator, I’ve always believed that the education of our young people should include a number of levels of learning including how to get along in the real world of home owning, etc. Granted, many secondary schools offer a fine curriculum in areas such as auto mechanics, woodworking, etc. but they really fall short in teaching about the everyday problems people come face to face with as adults.

Enough of the soapbox lecture.

The purpose of this brief article is to cover some of the basics involved in taking care of routine plumbing problems that eventually all of us will have to face. Of all the systems in the home, I hate dealing with plumbing the most! Many repairs need to be completed before your dry run (excuse the pun) can be run to see if the problem is fixed. If it’s not, you usually have to start all over again, which is frustrating to say the least.

One of the most common household plumbing problems is the stopped-up toilet. We recently moved to a new home and were having a lot of problems with toilet stoppage. We hadn’t changed our diet so we ruled that out as the cause and tried figuring out what the real problem was. Well, with a little help from the builder we found out that this newer toiled required you to hold the handle down a little longer to get a complete flush. You would think that there would be some kind of warning label or something that would clue you into this, but no. The problem went away after we followed his advise. Easy fix.

Traditional plungers have been upgraded to configurations that will get the job done quicker and easier. There is a plunger called “power plunger”. Ask for it by name at your local hardware store or home center. Chances are that it may be marketed under a different name. Make sure that the salesperson knows that the item is, in fact, what is typically called a “power plunger”. This plunger is effective in clearing clogs from toilets, sinks and bathtubs. If your kitchen sink is clogged and is connected to a dishwasher, be sure to clamp-off the dishwasher hose so that the plunger will work completely on the drainpipe rather than having some of its pressure diverted (uselessly) to the dishwasher. When the clog is cleared don’t forget to remove the clamp from the dishwasher hose or you will have some unpleasant consequences when you do wash the next load of dishes.

I’m not a big fan of liquid drain cleaners. I’ve found that they usually don’t get the job done (although some people will beg to differ). If you elect to use a chemical drain opener, be sure that it doesn’t have chemicals that may damage your piping (read the label on the box or bottle). Also, most of these chemical cleaners will wreak havoc if they touch exposed skin so, if you choose to try them, be sure to wear protective gloves and a long sleeved shirt and wash your hands thoroughly when your finished. If you don’t use the entire bottle, make sure it’s stored in a safe place where children can’t get to it. Most of the cleaners include chemicals that are so toxic that death may result if they’re ingested. There are some liquid drain cleaners that are “earth friendly” and are less hazardous to use. I’m not sure that they “pack the punch” that more tradition liquid drain cleaners do but I’m not an expert by any means in this area.

OK, you’ve tried a “power plunger” and even some liquid drain openers but the drain remains clogged. What’s next? Your best bet is to buy a small hand auger. Using the auger is simple. Push it into the drain until you reach resistance and then close the thumbscrew auger lock with about a foot of the auger extending from the drain opening. Turn the auger handle clockwise and you will hopefully move it past the bend in the pipe (where the clog may be). If the drain is still clogged, loosen the lock and repeat the process. Eventually, the clog should be forced down the drainpipe and the problem will be solved. If you suspect that there is an object that is clogging the drain, turn the auger counterclockwise to remove it.

If all else fails and you have access to the plumbing beneath the clogged unit, you can try to remove the trap, etc. to see if this helps locate the clog. Be sure to use a cloth to protect the metal before you try to loosen the joint to avoid damage.

No joy? Call a plumber.

The longer you live in your abode, the greater the chances that the seals under the pop up stoppers in the sink and bathtub may begin to leak so that the water drains before you’re ready for it to drain. A replacement stopper is your best bet for the bathtub. The fresh seal should take care of the problem. The sink, on the other hand can be easily fixed in just a few minutes. Inside the cabinet there’s a rod that protrudes from the drainpipe. This is called a lift rod. This rod passes through a horizontal piece of metal called the clevis strap and is fixed in place with a spring clip. Sometimes the clip has become loose and the lift rod is no longer running through the hole in the clevis strap. Make sure to force the clamp downward to increase its holding power then run the lift rod back through the clevis strap and slide the clip back on. If this solves the problem, you’re finished. Sometimes the seal in the stopper has become worn and needs a little more downward pressure to make a watertight seal. Look at the top of the clevis strap for a thumbscrew and after loosing it, move it upwards a bit (usually a half inch will suffice). Tighten the screw and your problems should be over.

About The Author

Chuck Lunsford is the content manager for http://www.lightnbreezy.com/, a well-known source for home improvement lighting and ceiling fixtures. If you have more questions about other home repair topics visit us at plumbing repairs and maintenance for the do-it-yourselfer.

You Own A Wood Burning Stove - Is It Dangerous for Your Health?

by: Paul Zayer

Do you have a wood burning stove? I don't know if you have noticed but many people have one nowadays. When the cold season arrives, it is sure nice to have a wood burning stove. I can tell you that. When I look at a wood burning stove in a magazine or in a store it brings back a lot of nice memories. I just loved the smell and the nice heat our old wood burning stove was giving us in the kitchen in the cold season. It may seem odd in this day in high tech, but wood burning stoves are getting more popular than they have been in almost a century. Many persons would suppose that a wood burning oven was almost the least practical article that you could install in your residence. After all, there are so many disadvantage to a wood burning stove. First of all, there is not the same sort of fine temperature control as with a gas heater. Wood burning stoves, basically, are either on or off. When they are on, you constantly have to stock them with wood. When they are off, they take many hours to heat up again. Nonetheless, the wood burning stove has a lot going for it. First of all, wood burning ovens are versatile. Not only can you use them to heat a room, you can also use them to dry clothes, and warm cold feet. You can even bake certain things on some wood burning stoves! There is also the matter of the cost of heating. Wood burning stoves was thought of as not practical because of the amount of work that goes into using them. Today, however, they make a lot of sense. They burn wood very slowly, and in many areas fire wood is accessible at no cost. Hundreds and hundreds of dollars can be saved every winter if you have a wood burning stove. For many families, that is no laughing matter. But there are risks associated to wood burning stoves. Although they are not difficult to maintain, they have dangers that regular gas furnaces don't have. Wood burning stoves must be located in the middle of your common space. That means that if you have young kids, they are at risk. If they run into the wood burning stoves, they can burn themselves! Also, a lot of persons say that wood burning stoves have much greater emissions than other sort of heat. Even oil burning furnaces - infamous for the air pollution they make - are supposed to be healthier for you than wood stoves. If your wood burning stove is not adequately insulated from the residence, it can liberate hazardous indoor pollution and poison you and your family. Nonetheless, even with all of these drawbacks, wood burning stoves make sense. They enjoy a renaissance among environmentally aware persons. They are more efficient now and they also let you survive with less outside dependence on our decreasing natural gas supply. So next time you look at a wood burning stove, why not get in the store and have a closer look at it? I am sure that you will love it.
About The Author
Paul Zayer is an Internet lover and really likes sharing information with other people. You can discover more about home improvement and wood burning stove reviews at his web site http://www.homeimprovementcenteronline.com

How To Change Your Furnace Filter Or Air Conditioning Filter

by: Bill Whitworth

Analogous to change in technology and the ever-increasing pollutants in the atmosphere, home air filtering technology has undergone a massive change. Today, many home air filters are layered with chemicals for killing the mold and dust spores, and sanitizing the filter to dispel impurities. If you live in a heavily populated vicinity, there is a high possibility of dust particles collecting in your air conditioner. These filthy dust particles may probably hold up the condenser of the air conditioner and compel it to work intensely. As this would hamper the longevity of the air conditioner and affect its performance in the long run, make sure you steam-clean the air conditioner at least once in two years. Besides, if you live in a highly polluted area, a yearly clean up would do you good. Furnace filters and air conditioning filters not only screen out debris and unwanted pollens from the heating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, but they also increase its productivity.

If you replace them often, your air would stay healthy and clean without any allergens and all other types of bacteria that could be harmful to the lungs. Moreover, fresh replacements help in keeping the HVAC system running efficiently by prolonging its lifespan and reducing the utility bills after regular maintenance. Make sure you check your furnace filters and air conditioning filters, the need for replacement or cleaning every month and particularly during cooling or heating season when the system is continuously used. If these filters were not changed on a routine basis, your system would have to work extra hard, increase expenses and reduce performance. How to Clean or Replace Your Furnace Filter or Air Conditioning Filter Following are some common steps followed for changing the furnace filter or air conditioning filter:

• Turn off the HVAC system and look for the service panel. You could either use a screwdriver or your hand for removing these panels

• Locate the home air filter close to the intake-outtake blower; it might be behind a panel or door that swings or lifts open. Remove the filter.

• Before you install the new filter, look for an arrow (arrow indicating the direction of airflow) along the edge of the new filter. Install the filter, ensuring the arrow is pointing toward the blower motor and other related machinery. Make sure you don’t install the filter in a backwards airflow manner as this decreases the efficiency of the home air filter.

• Turn your system on and check whether it is functioning properly. Conforming to the above given steps you would easily be able to change the home air filter. If you are unable to change the air filter, call for a heating contractor and watch how they change the filter.

Furnace filters and air-conditioning filters are available in permanent (with metal framing or fiberglass) or disposable (with cardboard frames). Disposable models are very cheap, but need to be replaced within a time span of a month. Therefore, it is better if you have spare filters on hand to save time during the course of the year. On the other hand, permanent brands are cost-effective. All furnace filters and air-conditioning filters come with a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Report Value) Rating that denotes the capability of the product in comparison with the other various brands. The higher the MERV rating, the more beneficial your filtration will be.

Learn more about furnace filters at http://www.webproducts.com/Categories.bok?category=Furnace+Filters.
About The Author
Bill Whitworth writes air quality articles for http://www.webproducts.com Web Products, Inc., the Internet’s premier supplier of http://www.webproducts.com/Detail.bok?no=70 furnace filters, air filters, replacement filters, and custom filters.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Home Energy News-Your Heating Service Company May Be A Little Different This Year

Flashback...Last winter oil skyrocketed and put many people behind the eight ball as well as your fuel and service company. This year is going to be a bit different...

Expect a little different reaction from your fuel dealer this year. Here are some of the things you may encounter this year:

With the price of fuel skyrocketing it has also affected your delivery company since they must pay the inflated prices to fuel their fleet. You may be asked to pay COD or even pre-pay before delivery, fuel consumption is down as well as the dealers already small margin.

If you have service with your fuel company, the rising cost of raw materials has effected them also, so if you hold a service contract, expect that if it is excluded or you call the technician out for a non related issue, you probably will be billed.

You may get fired as a customer. You account with your service company has a value, if you continuously call in for service and don't take the recommendations from your company, they may cancel your contract. The new company may not take on your old beat up system and you will be fighting a lost cause.

Pay your bill. There will be less tolerance by heating oil dealers this year, if you don't pay, don't expect a delivery.

Running out of fuel- If you run out of fuel an emergency delivery or a technician visiting your home to drop a few gallons in to keep you warm is expensive. Budget your money or use your oil dealers budget program or automatic delivery options to avoid this.

Expect to wait a bit, with rising costs and lowered margins many companies have been forced to cut staff and take vehicles off the road to survive. Here are some tips to help you survive the wait: use space heating as a temporary measure, have extra blankets and heavier clothing ready and don't wait to call, if it isn't working when you leave for work in the morning, nothing magical will happen by the time you come home. Offer to leave a door or bulkhead open for access during the day, be sure your company is bonded and insured.

Your dealer will work with you, unlike the utilities heating oil companies are privately owned and will try to accommodate it's customers. Just remember that heating oil is a commodity not a utility and they can shut you off for non-payment.

Save Money on Your Home Energy Bills-What is a Heat Manager?

Beckett Corporation guarantees to save you 10-20% on your home heating fuel oil. If you were wondering what a heat manager is and does here is a brief explanation, you can visit their website to get the full details. This is a relatively inexpensive installation (around $350-$450) so you can usually get your return on investment within a year or two at today's energy costs.

Here is a brief overview:

The HeatManager™ fuel economizer is the newest advance in boiler controls for residential boilers. It works with any fuel, and improves hot water home heating systems. And, it's guaranteed to reduce heating fuel consumption by at least 10%!
Beckett HeatManager™ boiler controls improve the efficiency of most gas, oil, or propane-fired residential boiler home heating systems, resulting in fuel and energy savings. It automatically adjusts the burner run pattern to match the system's heat load, substantially improving efficiency. You will experience lower gas, propane and heating oil bills, while improving boiler efficiency.
The HeatManager™ boiler control adds patented, state-of-the-art microprocessor technology to the boiler to optimize the overall heating system efficiency. When installed on a new or existing boiler heating system, HeatManager™ boiler controls reduce fuel consumption, wear on parts, flue emissions, and electrical usage.
Best of all, lower heating bills are guaranteed! You will experience a savings of 10 to 20% in heating fuel usage with the Beckett HeatManager™ boiler control.
Make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient today! Read all of the benefits of our boiler controls for more reasons how HeatManager™ saves fuel and money.

Visit Beckett Heat Manager Page

See Free Demo

This article may be used for content on your website, blog or newsletter. It must be used in it's entirety, including this text, without any alterations to content or the links within the content. P.R. Man is an expert in the Home Improvement and Home Energy Solution fields.

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