Tatyana Turner asked:


Are you considering installing a solar water heater for your home? Solar heaters offer many benefits, but there are some disadvantages as well. Find out if a solar heater is right for your home.

How solar water heaters work?

Solar water heaters work pretty much the same way as any other solar powered device. Solar panels installed on your roof capture heat from the sun, than it is converted into electrical energy. The energy is stored in special batteries and the power is used as it is needed.

Quite often your hot water tank will be on the roof too, to minimize the energy loss. But solar power can be used for instant tankless water heaters as well, as for ones with a tank.

Pros and cons of a solar water heater

Advantages are obvious – solar energy doesn’t cost you anything, so you will be pleased to discover how much your energy bills go down with the installation of a solar heater. Another thing some people might not think about straight away is environmental issues. Using energy from the sun is environmentally friendly, so not only solar heater will save you money, but you will help to save our planet.

The main drawback of a solar water heater is its initial cost. In the past few years the prices on solar heaters went down, but they are still pretty expensive. Another disadvantage is that if there is much snow in your aria, the panels will end up under a pile of snow and won’t work. So you will have to remove the snow build up in order for the solar panels to work properly. To avoid this you can add solar-powered heating strips to melt the snow.

How to choose the right solar system for your home

Solar panels will be installed on the roof of your house. Usually on the side facing south. Luckily the panels come in a variety of colors to fit with the design of your home. You can also find many configurations to help stay within your budget.

One way to get a solar water heater, despite its high price is by starting small to reduce a portion of your water heating bills. Then you can add panels as you can afford to. How big a heater do you need? That depends on the size of your family and your hot water consumption. Generally speaking one gallon of water storage for every square foot of collector area works best. Another thing to keep in mind when installing a solar heater is that a path from the collectors to the hot water tank should be no more than 40 feet.

You won’t need a new water tank, unless it is too small for your family. In this case an additional tank can be used. Usually for a 50-gallon water tank 40 square feet of solar panels will be sufficient.

Solar water heaters are becoming increasingly popular these days, because more and more people want to use the energy of the sun instead of electricity or gas. If you get a solar heater for your place, it will eventually save you a great deal.

Scott Rodgers asked:


have ever given a long thought to the inefficiencies of tank-type water heaters, you must have figured out many including inefficient use of energy and space. Those who figured this out before you saw the demand for tankless type water heaters and brought them into the market quickly. Still, a large number of people are used to conventional water heaters and unaware of how tankless heaters can solve some of their problems. Let’s see how the concept of on-demand heating was applied to get another remarkable invention of mankind.

The main concept behind these heaters is provision of hot water on demand only. There exist multiple kinds and they’re capable of using different kinds of energy sources to warm water up: from electricity to gas. Since these heaters don’t have a storage tank with them, they heat up water only when it is required. The main component is a heat exchanger that gets switched on whenever the connected faucet or shower is opened. For this purpose, a flow-activated switch is used that detects the flow of water inside the pipeline. Two types of heat exchangers are used usually: gas-powered burner and electric coils. Gas-fired ones, however, are able to heat faster and more efficiently.

Tankless hot water heaters come in different sizes; the size is dependent on several things: the amount of water that has to be heated in one minute; the temperature of water when it goes into the heater; and lastly, its preferable temperature that you want at the outlet. Unlike tank-type storage heaters that keep water at the desired temperature using a thermostat, tankless heaters heat water on demand; thus the first water that comes out of the spigot after turning it on warms gradually. In this way, you’ll have to waste water before the hot water is ready. The amount of time it takes to get hot water after opening the faucet is known as lag time. Two types of tankless systems are available. The first one is the point-of-use heater, which is generally small in size and is used to provide hot water at a single outlet like a shower. Since it is installed in close proximity to the water outlet, a point-of-use heater typically has a lower lag time and less water is wasted. Since it is used to supply hot water at a single outlet, electric-powered fire exchangers can do the job quite well. Therefore, most ‘point of use’ system use electricity and, thanks to their compactness, can be stored inside a small area.

The second type, whole-house tankless water heater, is able to heat a significantly greater amount of water per minute and can cater hot water at various outlets simultaneously. Because they require additional energy to warm great amounts of water, they commonly are powered by gas. With bigger homes, it’s possible that you’ll require more than a single water heating system. Showers typically necessitate addition of another whole-house tankless system because they usually need more hot water than ordinary taps. Due to their extra capabilities, whole-house heaters cost a lot more than point-of-use systems.

Tatyana Turner asked:


Do you feel frustrated every time, when you take a shower and the hot water runs out? And your energy bills are huge? Then it is possible that you need to look for new water heaters. An instant water heater can solve both problems for you.

Advantages of instant water heaters

An instant tankless heater has several advantages when compared to a conventional water heater:

It saves you energy

It heats water as you use it, as much as you use it and never runs out

It takes very little space

Common water heater usually has a tank that holds 40 to 80 gallons of water, keeping it hot at all times, day and night. As you use the hot water for showers, doing dishes and so on, it is replaced with cold water and heated. When you are not using hot water and even when you are not home all together, hot water just sits in the tank and as it waits to be used it loses the temperature. So the heater reheats water in your tank every now and then. This means loss of energy for you.

Instant water heaters don’t have a tank. For this reason they are also called tankless water heaters. As soon as you turn on hot water the unit turns on and heats the water, typically at 125 degrees Fahrenheit. So this type of heater doesn’t use energy until the faucet is turned on. It produces hot water instantly and if that temperature is too hot for you simply regulate it by turning on the cold water. When you are finished and turn hot water off, the instant water heater shuts down straight away, using no energy. This can cut your energy bill almost by 50% every month.

Energy is not the only thing you save, a tankless heater will also save you water. You know how you always have to let the cold water run first, before the hot comes out? With an instant tankless water heater the water is hot from the start, so there is no need to run the water to before it turns hot.

When room is a consideration, a tankless heater also offers a solution. Comparable to a traditional 40-60 gallon water tank, an instant unit is very small. It can be easily installed in a small home or apartment.

Industrial instant water heaters

While tankless heaters are most used in residential homes, great energy savings lead to their commercial use as well. And more water you use more you save, for example a house using 120 gallons of water a day with a 40-gallon hot water tank typically spends $112.25 per month on heating water. For the same usage, an instant tankless water heater will cost you only about $26.95 per month.

Cost of instant tankless water heater

Initial cost is the main disadvantage of a tankless heater. It costs much more than the conventional one. But as you can see, the energy savings will compensate for this very soon, probably in the first 6-8 month of using your new heater. And if the cost is a concern, look for discounted instant water heaters online. With internet retailers you can always get your tankless heater cheaper.

Buying a tankless water heater

You can get instant heaters from same stores that sell other types of water heaters. As their popularity has grown recently, you will not have any problems finding a decent instant water heater. Another option is too look online. Sometimes you can save quite a lot by buying a water heater from internet retailers.

Linda Moore asked:


The thought of snow, cold and blowing winds lead to thoughts of warm blankets, furnaces and glowing fires. Home heating is a very important subject in most parts of the country, everything from furnaces to space heaters are used to keep the house toasty warm for our return from the “frozen tundra.”

The heating sources that are used can lead to dire consequences if used improperly. Space heaters, for example are responsible for numerous house fires every year. The use of these devises for home heating requires responsibility and constant awareness of the safety issues they present. However, the use of space heaters can be a way to lower heating costs when the price of heating fuel rises by allowing you to use electricity instead.

When shopping for a space heater look for a model that stays cool to the touch and that has a wide base. These two options will make the heater safer to operate. Never use a space heater around a child, even if that child is asleep, the effect of a burn from the unit can be devastating. The chance of a child waking up and stumbling into the heater causing it to tip over and catch on fire is too great to risk.

When preparing your home heating plan for the winter season, it is not enough just to turn the furnace on and hope for the best, it needs to be serviced on a yearly basis to ensure its safety and reliability. Without this inspection, you could, literally be playing with fire.

The furnace inspection will consist of a visual inspection, cleaning of the furnace, detection of carbon monoxide (CO) as well as the checking the burner, ducts and pilot light. This is a short list of what an inspection consists of, but is a good indicator of what to expect when the licensed professional knocks on your door.

The visual portion of the inspection will help to detect any cracks that may exist in the heat exchanger. These cracks may result in the leakage of carbon monoxide fumes into the home. The flue will also be tested for the reason of detecting carbon monoxide (CO) gasses that may leak from the furnace. To be on the safe side, it is best to install a carbon monoxide (CO) detector in the main sleeping areas of the home to warn of a possible danger.

The inspectors will also be cleaning the furnace ducts of dust that has accumulated throughout the summer. Dust can be combustible therefore, it is necessary to remove it before starting the furnace. The burner and pilot light will also be inspected to ensure that they are working properly.

Follow these tips when heating your home this winter and sleep peacefully at night knowing that you have done you duty to protect your family, when they are snuggled in their beds as well.

Ryan Harris asked:


Space heaters are one of the most useful tools for keeping costs low during cold winter nights. A space heater enables the user to turn off the heater for the whole house, and just heat one or two rooms at a time. Space heaters are very useful, but it can be hard to decide which type of heater to purchase and use.

When purchasing a space heater there are several different criteria to use in decision making before you can choose the best space heater for you. These categories are:

- Size

- Heat output

- Budget

- Safety

- Temperature

- Labels

The size of the space heater is very important. The larger the room, the larger you want the heater to be. There is a formula for figuring out how many BTUs you need your heater to produce. Multiply the height times the width times the length of the room. Then multiply that number by 3. That number is how many BTUs you need to heat the room effectively. The best space heater for each room will have the right amount of BTUs for the space.

When you go to the store to look at space heaters ask someone at the store if they can turn on the heaters for you. That way you can see how far the heat is produced, and how hot the surfaces get. The best space heater models also have temperature control so that you can set a temperature for the room and the heater will keep the room at that temperature. This will save money because the heater will not have to run constantly.

Decide how much you want to spend on your space heater. The cheapest space heaters are electric. More expensive heaters are made from propane and natural gas. When you know your budget beforehand then it will be easier to make your final decision. It is also important to check the labels on any heater before purchasing. Try to get a heater that has an energy saver label on it. You also want a heater that has a UL label, which means it has been inspected by the Underwriter’s Laboratories.

Safety is also extremely important when choosing a space heater. Since the heater will most likely be on while you are asleep, it is crucial that the heater is completely safe. Some safety categories to watch out for are:

- Make sure the heater is placed at least three feet from any other objects at all times.

- Keep the heater away from water.

- Unplug the heater when not in use.

- Do not use around combustible materials such as gas, oil, or fires.

- Do not use a space heater with an extension cord. This raises the chance of fire.

- Keep children and babies away from the heater.

The final aspect to consider when purchasing a space heater is design. There are many different designs of heaters, and there are also many different types of heaters. The different heat sources of the heaters have a lot to do with the design. Electric heaters come in many different designs. Some of the most common shapes are square or circular. Propane and natural gas heaters are usually rectangular. They are usually smaller than the electric heaters. Infrared heaters are also usually rectangular or square. Most space heaters are designed more for function than beauty, so there are not very many models that are attractive. Oil space heaters usually look like an accordion. Most original heaters were run by oil.

Using the tips in this article should help you determine what the best space heater is for you and your family. Remember to always use the heaters safely and in the way they were built to be used.

Ryan Harris asked:


The weather outside is frightful, and a fire would be so delightful. Unfortunately, you need to heat a room or space that is outside the reach of your fireplace, gas stove, or furnace. You need a space heater. What is the best space heater option for you?

Convection heaters are handy in that they can heat an area quickly, and can be directed so that they can provide warmth for a specific portion of a room. Newer models consist of ceramic heating elements, and as the electric current heats the elements, a fan blows the warm air to the portion of the room where it is needed. Advantages of these heaters include the fact that they are portable and lightweight. Unfortunately they don’t hold their heat very well, so in order to get any heat it must be plugged in and running. They also can be a bit noisy because of the fan. Still, when looking for the best space heaters, convection heaters deserve a second look.

Radiant heaters generally don’t require a fan. Instead, the heat “radiates” off a heating element, heating the area closest to the heater first and gradually heating the rest of the room. Radiant heaters generally hold their heat well and may provide warmth even after they have been unplugged. A definite drawback, however, may be portability. Radiant heaters will usually be warm or even hot to the touch, so they may not be the type of heater you would be able to move from room to room, at least not when they are plugged in.

To be most efficient, choose the best space heater that is big enough to heat your area. Space heaters are sized by watts, and will run all the way up to 1500 watts for a larger area. The manufacturer should give you a square footage suggestion. Measure your area and pick a space heater that is rated for your space.

Be safe. Place your space heater in a location that will keep it well away from combustibles, children and pets. Space heaters can and do cause fires every year. Choose one with an automatic tip over shut off so that if your heater is accidentally bumped over, the heater will shut down.

Also, consider the aesthetics of your space heater. It’s your space, and you have worked hard to develop your style. Choose the best space heater that will fit your design and heat your room. With all of the choices out there, it should be easy to pick a space heater that will provide your home with efficient, safe, stylish heat. Leave the frightful weather outside, and pull up a space heater. You’ll be glad you did.

Tatyana Turner asked:


A bedroom heater is a must have for every home where winter are cold. Why would you want to leave you central heating on all night? It is much more economical to use a portable heater in the bedroom. Here are things you should consider while selecting a heater for your bedroom.

We spend almost one third of our life in bed and there is no need to have central heating on while you sleep. It is only the bedroom that you want to be warm at night, is not it? For the bedroom you can get a separate wall heater or a portable electrical heater. Make sure you select a heater that is safe and doesn’t require constant attention. Heaters with open radian element should not be used. It can start a fire if a curtain or your cloth blows across the heating element.

Selecting your Bedroom Heater

The best choice for a bedroom heater would be oil filled radiators. They are safe, silent (which is very important while you are asleep) and they provide enough heat to comfortably warm up an average size bedroom.

It pays off to get a more expensive model that has a timer. This way you can set it to warm the room more before you have to wake up and get out of bed. But while you are actually asleep it is best to have the temperature not too warm.

Also some new models have an instant heat button that allows you to heat up your room very quickly. This is very useful if you forgot to set the timer or when you just came back home and want to warm up fast.

To find the right size heater for your bedroom, look at its specifications. Most models tell you what heating aria they are intended for. Don’t assume the bigger the better. Heater that is too big will not provide any additional benefits, but will consume more energy than necessary.

Additional Tips to Conserve Energy

Did you know that you can add timers to your central heating? There is no need to make your central heater work all day while you are at work. With the timer you can make it switch on about half an hour before you come home, this will warm up your house adequately. Of course, this won’t work if you have pets, they dread cold as much as we do.

Also check all drafts and increase insulation. If you have old windows, consider replacing them with storm windows. Having good insulation can make a huge difference, especially when it is windy outside.

In conclusion, a bedroom heater is very convenient and saves you a great deal. So if you don’t have one yet, it is time to compare different models of bedroom heaters and get one that is suitable for your room.