Articles

Wood burners, heat pumps, cut bills

Oct 03, 2011 |

Solar Panels

The system uses solar panels placed on the roof with individual transmitters that convert the solar power into AC energy. A heat pump is installed with a high-efficiency furnace to convert the energy to heat. This cuts down on fuel costs, but doesn’t completely eliminate them.

Note that the heat pump cannot work in freezing weather, so consumers must rely in part on oil or natural gas on winter days when temperatures are below 32 degrees. But the Energy Star furnace runs three times less than older models, saving heating costs, and the energy produced from the panels supplies power to the grid to help pay for the homeowner’s electricity. During winter months, electricity bills can be reduced by 90 percent..”

A system for a 2,400-square-foot home — which includes a high efficiency air conditioner — cost $14,000, but came with a $1,500 rebate from the supplier, a $500 rebate from National Grid and a nearly $6,000 tax credit from the U.S. Department of Energy. So the total net cost will be around $6,000.

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News

Staying safe in winter weather

Staying safe in winter weather

May 19, 2012 | An alternative heating method such as a fireplace or wood- or coal-burning stove. Carlos also recommends keeping a supply of cash in low denominations because if there is a power outage many stores will not be able to operate their registers and make

Questions & Answers

Why is my fireplace blower so noisy?

Mar 05, 2008 by Dawn F
I recently acquired, through "Freecycle", a fireplace blower. I can't fine any type of make or model number on it. It does a great job of blowing hot air out, but it's so NOISY!! Is it possible the blower motor or something else is going bad? Is it possible to repair it? (My husband and I are both pretty handy, so I'm not afraid to attempt a repair.) Any suggestions or help will be deeply appreciated! THANKS!
The noise is a very loud rattle. That's about the best way to explain it. It's definitely NOT a "hum"! The guy I got it from said they put it on a sponge, so I did that and it cut the noise down a little. It also helps if you press on the top of the motor housing.
Loose blower or out of balance.....Lint that collects on blower can get it off balance

Other Stores

Image Item Price Store Description
Riverstone FP-38-4D-Wh Electric Corner Fireplace $524.99 Newegg.com The patented realistic flame can be controlled either with the remote control or by using the built in thermostatic controls. The patented folding corner design allows for quick assembly and lineup of the sides, helping to take the time and hastle out of the assembly process. Likewise on cold nights, the heater can be on without the glow of the fire. The benefit is that on warm nights the flames can be on without the heat. The user can control flame intensity and temperature separately. No need for a chimney or gas lines with the Stay Warmtm line all that is needed is a standard 3 prong wall outlet. Finished in a clean white finish this handsome CORNER unit combines a realistic flame along with a fully functional dual level heater blower motor 750/1500 watts. Safety also comes first with our products and that is why Feature: MDF Wood with White paper veneer finish Corner Unit Design Folding Corner Design Flame Intensity Control 3D Flame Effect ON/OFF Switch for Heat and Flame Effect Log Flame Motion Effect 1500W Heater and 120V (5115 BTU) Dual Settings for 750W or 1500W Output Adjustable Thermostat Safety Thermal Cut Off CSA Approved BTU: 5115 BTU Power Consumption: 750W or 1500W Power Supply: 120V / 60Hz Thermostat: Yes Color: White
Riverstone FP-38-4D-Bl Electric Corner Fireplace $524.99 Newegg.com The user can control flame intensity and temperature separately. The benefit is that on warm nights the flames can be on without the heat. The patented realistic flame can be controlled either with the remote control or by using the built in thermostatic controls. Safety also comes first with our products and that is why Feature: MDF Wood with Black paper veneer finish Corner Unit Design Folding Corner Design Flame Intensity Control 3D Flame Effect ON/OFF Switch for Heat and Flame Effect Log Flame Motion Effect 1500W Heater and 120V (5115 BTU) Dual Settings for 750W or 1500W Output Adjustable Thermostat Safety Thermal Cut Off CSA Approved BTU: 5115 BTU Power Consumption: 750W or 1500W Power Supply: 120V / 60Hz Thermostat: Yes Color: Black No need for a chimney or gas lines with the Stay Warmtm line all that is needed is a standard 3 prong wall outlet. The patented folding corner design allows for quick assembly and lineup of the sides, helping to take the time and hastle out of the assembly process. Finished in a rich black finish this handsome CORNER unit combines a realistic flame along with a fully functional dual level heater blower motor 750/1500 watts. Likewise on cold nights, the heater can be on without the glow of the fire.