Heating
Window Unit Heat Pumps
Window unit heat pumps can be a good heating and cooling option for your home when you want to heat from 100 to 700 square feet of space. Window unit heat pumps are basically air conditioners that provide heat also. If you have shopped for one before, you may have heard of some unfamiliar terms like heat strip and heat pump. We will clear up what is meant by these and other terms commonly used with window unit heat pumps and help you to decide if they are a good choice for your heating and cooling needs.
Window Unit Heat Pump Terminology
Heating a Log Home
If you are the owner of a log home, chances are you will have several options available for heating your home. We will help you decide what heating method is best for your unique situation by covering and comparing some of the most popular heating methods available to you. Typically log home owners have the same basic choices available to them that all home owners have, however, there are some structural differences that will have to be taken into consideration when designing your heating system.
Forced Air Space Heaters
Forced air space heaters work well as secondary heat sources for spot heating. They are somewhat inefficient for general diffuse heating of large areas, but can work as temporary heating for basement or garage work areas. Safety is a real concern with these units, as sadly, every winter you read about someone dying from carbon monoxide poisoning due to improper ventilation. Read the manufacturers instructions, please.
Installing a Fireplace Flue
Fireplace flue installation should only be done by a professional, experienced installer. If this is not possible, then it should be at the least overseen by a professional; they will know the latest regulations and building codes, best materials and safest most efficient designs.
Insulating Attics
If you are concerned about the high cost of heating and cooling your home, maybe you don't have a well insulated attic. Insulating the floor of the attic is one of the most important things you can do to improve heating and cooling efficiency.
It is not necessary to completely insulate the attic. In fact, it can be counter productive to insulate the attic too well. Proper attic insulation is an important investment in your home because it reduces fuel bills in several ways.