What Type of Heater Will Suit Your Needs Best There are four basic types of heaters: forced air heaters, convection heaters, oil-filled heaters and radiant heaters. The following descriptions will help you choose the heating method to ensure the best solution for your project. Forced air heaters – use windings to heat up the air and fan or a blower to circulate the air and heat up the space. Most of them include a thermostat so you can heat the air to the desired temperature. Electric forced air heaters are very popular for home heating, they provide dry, clean heat and are easy to operate and highly efficient. Convection heaters – use basic physics principle of the natural circulation of air. The space around the heater is warmed up and the air moves as a result of gravitational force than its place is taken by cooler air and the process continues until the whole room is heated. Individual convection heaters are used to heat smaller enclosed areas, but if you need to heat large space you can combine multiple units. Radiant Heaters – also called infrared, those heaters are similar to the sun, and they heat people and objects rather than air. It passes through the space to heat walls, furniture, floors, ceilings and is pretty much not affected by air movements. Those qualities makes them perfect for outdoors heating, like patios, shipping docks, or protecting machinery from freezing. Radiant heaters don’t make noise, flumes, flames. Oil-filled heaters, radiators – consist of tank filled with special oil and heating element used to heat the oil. Usually those have a thermostat that turns on and off the heating unit so it can maintain the desired temperature of the air. Oil-filled heaters take more time to heat up than the electric heaters but also the oil will stay warm for a long time after you turn the unit off. They are ideal for people who suffer from dry skin or respiratory problems, because don’t dry the heated air as much as other types of heaters. What is BTU Rating and Why Do You Need to Know It BTU is parameter describing the unit’s power, you can find it somewhere on the specifications of the product or its datasheet. It stands for British Thermal Unit and equals the amount of heat needed to heat 1 pound of water by 1 ° Fahrenheit. The power of many heaters is given in watts though, so an easy way to convert watts in to BTU’s is to multiply the watts by 3.4. How Many BTU’s Do I Need to Heat My Room Here is an easy two step method to calculate the BTU rating of your room. Please keep in mind that this formula is rough and you will have to adjust if the climate of your region is colder than average or your personal temperature preferences are higher. But it will be pretty good guideline. First, you will need to find the volume of the room that you want to heat. The easiest way to do it is by multiplying the square footage by the height of the ceiling. For example: a 10’ x 15’ room with 8’ ceiling is 1200 cubic feet. Second, multiply the volume of the room by 2 it the room has good insulation, by 3 for average insulation and by 4 if it has poor insulation. That will give you number close to the real BTU’s that you will need to heat your room. Summary Choose what type of heater do you want to purchase Examine each type’s advantages and disadvantages Calculate BTU rating of the room that you want to heat Choose carefully and avoid buyer’s remorse Now You Are Equipped to Make an Intelligent Choice for Your Home You know what BTU is and how to calculate it; you know all types of heaters and how they work. You even know how to convert watts into BTUs. Now go ahead and choose the perfect heater for your needs. Rating:

According to the National Fire Protection Assoc. (NFPA) heating equipment was the second leading cause of home fires and home fire deaths.

The heating equipment category includes central heating, fixed and portable space heaters and wood stoves. Of these, fixed space heaters (wall mounted or freestanding propane heaters) accounted for 17% of the fires and 28% of the civilian deaths.

Portable heaters (propane and electric) caused far fewer fires, only 8% of the total, but accounted for 46% of the total deaths resulting from heating equipment fires.

So how can this be with increasingly stringent space heater manufacturing safety standards?

The best answer to this question comes from Fire Chief Eric Chichester of Parkersburg, WV, a state which had 6 space heater related deaths in October: “The problem isn't really with the space heater itself, but with misusing it and leaving it unattended.”

If misuse of the space heater and not the space heater itself is the cause of fires, which type of heater would be prone to misuse more frequently; an electric fireplace or space heater?

Although far fewer electric fireplaces are sold in North America than small space heaters, close tracking of the occurrences of space heater fires so far this season has yet to reveal an instance where an electric fireplace was a contributing factor.

This suggests that people are less likely to misuse an electric fireplace and therefore the electric fireplace is safer. But this begs the question; why are electric fireplaces misused less than ordinary space heaters?

The answer to this lies in the overall size and design of the electric fireplace. The placement of the electric firebox in the middle of a 4 foot wide unit creates a natural buffer zone on either side between it and draperies, furniture or bedding that might be in the room.

By keeping flammables away from the heater you will practically eliminate the number one cause of space heater fires.

An electric fireplace is also regarded as a beautiful piece of furniture which makes it less likely that bags of clothing, boxes, etc. would be piled in front of it – never mind blocking the heat source.

The perception that an electric fireplace, by virtue of its size, is more powerful than it really is probably tempts fewer people to plug it into an overloaded extension cord. Plugging an electric fireplace into its own wall socket all but eliminates another potential fire hazard.

Finally, the flame display, crackling fire sound effect, and humming of the blower serve as a constant reminder the fireplace is running and makes it less likely it would be left on when the house is unoccupied.

Rather than trying to pit the electric fireplace against the electric space heater, the real purpose of this article is to remind everyone that any space heater can be a safe space heater if you keep it at least 3’ away from combustibles, don’t use an extension cord, and remember to turn it off when you go to bed and leave the house.

Information on different air duct cleaning methods

Power Vacuum/Air Sweep method:
Average equipment value being used to perform an air duct cleaning: $50,000.00-$150,000.00 worth of machinery and equipment

 

According to NAIMA this method of cleaning is the most thorough form of cleaning a ventilation or HVAC system to deliver the lowest particulate count exiting an HVAC system. Actual air studies by a reputable international organization, such as NAIMA, has conclusively proven that this in fact occurs in a ventilation system, which of coarse should be a no-brainer because if particulate matter was merely stuck to the sidewalls of ductwork and did not in fact circulate, then mechanical engineers would have never invented a furnace filter. How many HVAC service technicians have instructed you to never use a furnace filter? Probably, not too many, right? That is because it has been known for several decades that dirt, dust and debris will always circulate in a forced air ventilation system. Fortunately, most people are not completely unaware of this problem and have realized that occasional HVAC system cleaning can produce very good indoor air quality results when performed thoroughly and correctly.

 

Now that we logically know that forced air systems, which moves air in a ventilation system not only moves the air inside of the ductwork, but the fine micron particulate matter that science had previously proven existed floating around with that same air, we can get on to the various cleaning methods that tries to tackle the build up problem that time will cause in a forced air ventilation system.

 

A raging debate between various companies world-wide tries to advertise and endorse their methods of cleaning to convince a consumer and potential customer that their method of cleaning is superior. Rather than writing a very obvious slanted article, I realized that simply stating what the advantages and disadvantages of each cleaning method is, would allow the consumer or potential customer to decide for themselves as to which cleaning method would best serve them. Yes, I can admit that every cleaning method has a clear advantage and disadvantage. Although I would love to make every consumer and or potential customer our customer, the reality is that many factors affect where a consumer or potential customer turns to for their indoor air quality needs.

 

Power Vacuum/Air Sweep method:
Average equipment value being used to perform an air duct cleaning: $50,000.00-$150,000.00 worth of machinery and equipment.

 

This method of cleaning is the most expensive, thorough and risky form of cleaning out there. The machinery can cost anywhere from $50,000.00- $150,000.00. The cost to operate is higher and if the technicians are not properly trained the risk of dusting out a house or breaking something in the house is greater.

 

The power vacuum/air sweep method involves a powerful large diameter vacuum hose generally ranging in diameter from 8”-12” that moves anywhere from 3000 CFM – 26,000 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of negative air draw depending on the type of power vacuum machinery being used. Typically speaking, having power vacuum machines that moves anymore that 10,000 CFM is foolish, considering the fact that all ductwork is rated for a set amount of CFM based on the size of the ductwork through external static pressure ratings, velocity and ambience. I do have to admit that the more power a vacuum has, the cooler it is to witness, though.

 

The power vacuum hose is typically installed into the ductwork via a circle cut out which allows for the power vacuum to put the entire side of the ductwork under a complete and sound vacuum draw. By doing so, every vent attached to the ductwork will have a centrally created vacuum present for proper system containment. From there, various mechanical brushes are sent down the rounds to break and push all debris down to where the power vacuum is sucking. Afterwards compressed air ranging from 150 psi – 250 psi air washes anything left by the brushes, to thoroughly and completely clean the round. Once all of the supply/heat pipes are cleaned a variety of different brushes, air whips and blow back jetters are employed to source remove all of the bulk matter back towards the power vacuum. This method of cleaning is superior for actually ridding the ductwork of all loose contamination because there is typically no cleaning obstacles presented by the ductwork that the self propelled mechanical and air tools can’t over come, as well as the fact that the sheer power of the vacuums not only effectively keeps all the debris contained, but has enough power to pull this debris out of the system.

 

Advantage:

 

Most thorough mode of cleaning where a positive effect such as increased HVAC system efficiency is realized, increased airflow from supply rounds is realized, less HVAC equipment parts failure is realized (or increased part lifespan occurs) elimination of foul odors presented by isolated incidents where dead animals are presented, animal liquid & solid excretions occur and odor emitting mold/mildew and bacteria occurs and in some cases dust reductions are noticed depending on the amount of contamination that is present in a ventilation system. After this method of cleaning is performed, assuming that the occupant maintains that furnace filter I previously mentioned to manufacturer recommendations, then cleanings may only need to be performed every 3-4 years or even longer if you invest in a high media filter unit.

 

Disadvantage:

 

This method of cleaning takes longer, the machinery costs more, which means you are charged more than what most contact cleaning companies would charge you. If the company does not adequately train their personnel to perform this cleaning method, then the risk of mishap is greater than a contact cleaning company due to the overwhelming power engaged into the ventilation or HVAC system cleaning project. This cleaning process is a louder process due to using effective and powerful machinery.

 

Contact Cleaning Method:
Average equipment value being used to perform an air duct cleaning: $500.00-$4,000.00 worth of machinery or equipment.

 

This method of cleaning is the safest form of cleaning in ensuring a reduced amount of mishaps and or errors at a jobsite occurs. Typically speaking, a company will use a glorified shop vac, various carpet cleaning hose attachments in conjunction with carpet cleaning machinery and or even a glorified shop vac with a spinning brush. Most contact cleaning companies will spend 30 minutes to 2 hours in attempting to reach as much ductwork that a person is physically able to reach. A small minority of contact cleaning companies will even make a good go at it and will spend up to 8 hours at an average residential jobsite. It is even fair to say that if a contact cleaning company spent all day, if the ductwork was completely exposed and if the ductwork was small enough, a contact cleaning company could technically perform a thorough job if the technician was motivated to perform a thorough job.

 

Advantage:

 

The contact cleaning method of air duct cleaning is usually more affordable in price for the consumer/customer because the equipment is so cheap. The contact cleaning method of air duct cleaning is a safer form of cleaning in ensuring that less mishap and errors occur during a job or project because not much agitation of dirt, dust and debris is being made. Contact cleaning machinery is usually not as loud as power vacuum machinery.

 

Disadvantage:

 

The contact cleaning method of air duct cleaning is very limited in what dirt, dust and debris is actually pulled out of a ventilation and or HVAC system. 2” diameter vacuum hoses cannot suck up 3” diameter beer cans or soda pop cans. Due to the laws of physics in that a 2” diameter vacuum hose leaves behind all large diameter items, no airflow improvement is ever realized after the service is performed. Clumsy shop vac hoses usually cannot effectively clean through most furnaces burners, hence the ash, dirt, carbon and dust that can be found in these burners typically stay in the burners. This results in no efficiency improvement when cleaning out the burners, because the shop vac hose could not fit inside of the burners to properly clean it as compressed air or nitrogen can. Most ventilation and or HVAC systems have portions of ductwork that is not easily accessible due to portions of the ductwork being drywall finished around. Should this be the case at any given jobsite, a consumer and or customer must realize that a large portion of ductwork will not be cleaned as a result when the contact cleaning method of air duct cleaning is employed. Typically a shop vac hose can only reach up to 15’ before the hose just curls up. Some trunk lines may stretch out to over 100’ in distance, which means 15’ would be cleaned and 85’ would go untouched. In ductwork rounds the shop vac hose can usually only reach up to 2 ½ ‘ before the shop vac hose gets stuck. 90 degree turns will almost always make the shop vac end its descent in cleaning down a pipe because the shop vac hose cannot be turned without physical intervention. A greater risk of disconnecting pipes occurs due to the physical nature of the contact cleaning method. Also if any home security wiring, telephone wires or low voltage wiring is ever present in the ductwork, the physical nature of the contact cleaning method in air duct cleaning will increase the chances in breaking such wires, whereas air washing will not compromise such wires in any shape way or form. Most contact cleaning companies will recommend that you should have your air ducts cleaned out every year or two, because they know they left enough debris in the ductwork to try to get at it again in a year or two.

 

Well there you have it folks. Both common methods in air duct cleaning really do have advantages and disadvantages. I attempted to write this article as fair and balanced as I could using as many facts based on past experiences that I have experienced in performing over 10,000 residential and over 2000 commercial air duct cleanings using both methods of cleaning. Based on my past experiences the advantages and disadvantages in both methods of air duct cleaning that I wrote about are very much so true in my experiences. There are many different cleaning machines and tools out there, which means’ that the chore in selecting a thorough air duct cleaner, can be daunting. I must say that experienced technicians in performing an air duct cleaning service can go along way, especially when a company is committed in investing in the more expensive forms of machinery and specialized tools as Lucky Duct, LLC is. In fact our least experienced technician that would show up to your home or office has 3000 + residential air duct cleanings and 850 commercial air duct cleanings performed. Lucky Duct, LLC strives to take better care of our people in pay and benefits than most other companies which is why we have been so fortunate in attracting some of the best tech’s out there. Cool machines and tools help, but experienced people can really make the difference in a project result as well.

 

Visit www.luckyduct.net and enter the air ducts page to view a ton of information on air duct cleaning!

Miniaturised ceramic sesors, originally developed for the European Space Agengy(ESA). find increasing applications here on earth;in medical analysis , sports training and even environmental protection.....................

 

It all began in 1993 when the institute of Space Systems(IRS) of the University of Stuttgart started to develop special ceramic gas sensors to measure re-entry conditions for spacegraft.The sensors were used-at time -to measure oxygen levels in the wind tunnels which tested the various heat shield materials that would be used in spacecraft design."The sensors avalible then were no good for testing spacecraft systems because they were big.heavy and used a lot of heating power". explains Rainer Baumann from the Technical University of Dresden who participated in the development of this very small type of sensor.

 

"so we had to develop a new type of senor to measure re-entry conditions for spacecraft.The sensors had to be very small and capable of measuring oxygen at high altitudes and during re-entry.Although the sensors were originally developed for the space programme the technology when shown to industry at a series of presentation by ESA's Technology Transfer Programme-attacted a great deal of interest for possible use in earth-based applications.The main mission of ESA's Tecnology Transfer Programme Office is to facilitate the use of space technology for non-space applications.The TTPO is also responsible for the funding of such start-up companies that will aid in the initiative.

 

As a result three IRS employees, together with thw former head of the IRS institute founded the Germany-based company ESCUBE Space Sensor system GmbH in 2000 to further develop and market the sensor for use in the field of modern gas analysis.

 

ACCURATE HUMAN BREATH ANALYSIS

 

Its very easy to find terrestrial apllication for this miniaturised gas sensor.It reacts very fast and this is useful in many cases where you need to measure ambient conditions on Earth.

 

"One application where the sensor is particularly useful is measurement of the human breath.With this sensor we can measure oxygen ,carbon dioxide and obtain the results immediately something which is impossible with conventional systems"."The very quick time makes it possible to obtain a very accurate breath -by-breath analysis.As the sensor is light and very small it can be incorporated in the mask and used for instance in hospitals and clinics or by top athletes during extrame strain conditions.Further development could even lead to a special mask for monitoring and evaluating the health of astronauts undertaking space mission.

 

REDUCING ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

 

Another terrestrial applications for the sensor the researcher says that is the control of exhaust gases in heating systems for home and industry.The majority of the man produced pollutants on the Earth originate from burning processing in automotive industrial and domestic applications and the sensor can be used to control and optimise these combustion processes."If you place the sensor in the exhaust gases you can control the heaters in real time by using a special algorithm and ensure that the burner operates at an optimum level "says Baumann

 

"This system can reduce the exhaust gases that are harmful for the environment and at the same time-by ensuring the heating system works at an optimum level -it can also reduse fuel consumption by about 10 to 15%

 

SPOTTING HYDROGEN LEAKAGE

 

Another terrestrial application for the miniature sensor is the development of handy easy-to-use portable system to test for hydrocarbon leakage in industrial installations such as the ones used for manufacturing fuel cells."Technology Transfer is not a one way street "for more info www.future2technology.blogspot.com

 

Every home requires a safe and energy efficient heating device to keep the environment comfortable and healthy. There are some efficient brands that justify your need and provide all such benefits including safety, clean air and energy saving properties with reasonable billing amount on the services. Eden heaters are come in the above collection of brands, which you can safely use for your home to enjoy all advantages.

The primary concern in any heating device is its safety property. In any residence there will be kids and pets and there will surely be a lot of combustible materials around the home. There is always a worry in your mind that they may catch fire if such materials reach near the heater. This fantastic piece of heating tool is produced with certain technical specialties that it prevents such occurrences. The equipment is provided with a special quartz infrared material that permits the atmosphere to get heated to suit your comfort level, but does not reach the dangerous level to catch fire. The temperature is so finely controlled that it is maintained at the most safe level, which are properly tested and passed through quality control department during manufacturing of Eden heaters. The temperature is kept around 95 degrees Fahrenheit, which is supposed to be safe and suitable for pets and kids in the home.

You are assured of better atmospheric air quality to live due to the technology that is applied to create these heaters. Due to the absence of heating fuel like oil, coal, wood, and many other elements, the air quality is free from undesired toxins, which harm the human health. The atmospheric quality is definitely better with the use of Eden heaters in comparison to other kind of room heating arrangements, which require some kind of fuel. They are qualified to provide even heating of the entire room and maintain the healthy environment of the room.

If you want to Learn more about eden heaters visit our website ShopAllThings.