All posts by David Ponschok
Electric Boilers vs. Gas Boilers
In the fight of electric boilers vs. gas boilers, there’s a definite winner in most cases.
You may be surprised to know that electric boilers are ideal for certain applications regardless of operational costs. It’s widely known throughout the US that gas boilers cost less to operate than electric boilers. However, there are applications where operation costs alone should not be the only factor in the boiler selection process.
First, gas and electric rates vary greatly depending on where you live. In some areas, each can be up to five times more expensive, so it pays to know the energy costs in the area where you live.
So, you want to heat your home or office and are wondering which option is best when comparing electric boilers vs. gas boilers? To get to the answer, it’s important to ask yourself a couple of questions:
- Are you installing an entire heating system? If this is you, gas may be the smartest choice.
- Adding a room or want warm floors in bathrooms or other often occupied spaces? If so, electric is usually the best choice.
But these two questions aren’t the only things to consider before you make your decision. Let’s take a look at which heat source comes out on top in many applications so you’ll know whether electric or gas models make the most sense.Read More »»
News Alert! AquaMotion introduces the NEW AWARD WINNING Aqua-Flash™
The NEW Aqua-Flash™ Recirculation System is the winner of the AHR Expo 2018 Innovation Award for the most innovative plumbing product.
AquaMotion introduces the NEW Aqua-Flash™ (Patent pending) Recirculation product group. This all bronze recirculation By-pass valve installs under the sink in minutes. It does not require electricity or batteries. The pump with built-in timer installs on top of the Water heater.
This system delivers instant Hot Water Comfort, prevents the waste of energy loaded tempered water down the drain and saves the home owner on utility bills. The Aqua-Flash ON-CALL™ is owner operated and equipped with a wireless Call Button that sends a signal to a receiver to turn on the pump. This most energy efficient kit meets New Building Codes including Title 24 in California.
This product line is an AquaMotion design, built and tested in the Warwick, RI / USA facility. It is UL and NSF listed. The pumps are covered by 3 US and Canadian Patents.
Learn more about all AquaMotion Recirculation Products here.
What Are the Benefits of Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating?
See why the benefits of radiant floor heating make it the right choice for your next home’s heating system.
From increased efficiency and comfort (no drafts like from forced-air heating systems) to keeping allergies at bay, the compelling benefits of hydronic radiant floor heating have become increasingly popular with homeowners everywhere. Hydronic radiant floor heating circulates hot water through tubes in floors throughout a home. It has many advantages over traditional heating systems that are making it a popular option for all kinds of property owners.
Radon Mitigation Systems: Is Your Home Safe?
What every homeowner needs to know about radon mitigation systems.
If you’re asking yourself, “Why do I care about radon mitigation systems?” don’t worry: you’re not alone. A lot of homeowners focus on things like electrical safety and protection from fires and carbon monoxide. Few give a second thought to radon, and they pay dearly for it.
First Things First: What IS Radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas found in the earth’s crust. It seeps up from below, poisoning the air you breathe. But you’d never know it.
Colorless and odorless, it’s difficult to detect without special equipment. Radon gas is a byproduct of uranium, occurring when the element begins to decay naturally. This gas eventually works its way to the surface, poisoning the air around you.
Over time, this exposure can lead to lung cancer. In fact, long-term radon exposure was the reason attributed to over 21,000 deaths just last year. It is the second deadliest contributor, behind smoking, and the most lethal contributor amongst non-smokers.
Using Glycol in Hydronic Heating Systems
Glycol, also called antifreeze, is an important compound that HVAC manufacturers use to protect hydronic heating systems in cold climates. When added to water, glycol lowers the freezing temperature of the resulting mixture, ensuring that it remains liquid even during harsh winter weather.
Without glycol, simply leaving the heat source off for more than a day or two could result in the entire system freezing up; causing ice which will likely burst pipes and create extensive water damage to a dwelling. Adding glycol to the water prevents such catastrophes from happening, but often compromises system performance. However, high-quality glycol can mitigate that risk.
Gas Monitoring Systems for Vehicle Emissions
As the growth of multi-family residential housing units has increased in recent years, so has the number of enclosed parking garages. Builders and planners recognize that tenants prefer enclosed parking garages for convenience and comfort. Such garages are a definite selling point in northern states where snow clearing is a major issue. However, with such enclosed parking areas comes a significant danger.
The Problem with Vehicle Emissions in Enclosed Parking Garages
Even though enclosed parking garages are very attractive to tenants, keeping the air healthy should be a concern for building owners. Cars in enclosed spaces can produce high levels of carbon monoxide (CO), and diesel engine cars can produce high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). Both emissions are very dangerous and pose significant safety concerns to human life. Human health effects can vary significantly based on the state of health, age, sex and weight and exposure over time to low concentration levels can lead to respiratory problems, lung damage and neurological problems. Toxicity levels are well-documented and death can occur in a matter of minutes.
Heat Recovery Ventilator(HRV) vs Energy Recovery Ventilator(ERV): What’s the Right Unit for Your Home?
If you’re in the process of building a home and want to keep it filled with fresh, healthy air year-round, then you have an important decision to make – which ventilation system to add to your HVAC package.
The most effective ventilation options available for residential homes are HRVs and ERVs. In order to choose the right one for your home, it’s important to understand the differences between the two products.
Stabilize Fresh Air Temperatures with Electric Duct Heaters
Electric duct heaters are a convenient, affordable and effective way to provide heat to a room or ventilation duct system. Professional HVAC contractors have used these devices in residential, commercial and industrial HVAC systems for many years.
Common Applications for Electric Duct Heaters
The main idea behind heating with an electric duct heater is adding heat to the air inside the duct in an efficient manner. Electric duct heaters can be used in a broad range of applications, some of the most popular of which are:
- Forced Air Furnaces
- Heat Recovery Ventilation
- Tempering outdoor air
- Makeup Air
When choosing an electric duct heater for your home or workplace, you’ll want to keep the specific application in mind when deciding the model you need.
The Homeowner’s Guide to Inspecting and Maintaining Makeup Air Units
If you have a high-powered, commercial-quality cooktop installed in your kitchen, chances are you also have a makeup air unit installed in your home. This device compensates for the amount of air being pushed out of your kitchen’s extractor and breathes fresh, room-temperature air in from outside. Makeup air units are typically automatic—unless you had yours recently installed, you may not even know you have one, but you’ll notice if it breaks down.
If your cooktop comes with a large extractor hood that sweeps out odors and contaminants from your home, your makeup air system is what’s responsible for replacing the lost air. Without it, your home would be depressurized and the kitchen hood would soon be unable to push the air out. The fumes would collect inside your house—creating a dangerous environment for you and your family.
The Advantages of a Steam Humidifier
Use a Steam Humidifier to Help Your Heat Pump Fight Dry Winter Air
Heating your home with a heat pump is energy efficient and cost-effective. When dry indoor air becomes a problem in winter, however, you’re likely to find that the central humidifiers that work just fine with fossil-fuel-fired furnaces aren’t as effective when used in conjunction with a heat pump. Fortunately, a steam humidifier may be the solution to the problem.