Archive for the ‘Home Improvement’ Category
Home heating and cooling
Space heaters save money
If you only need to warm up a specific room, or part of a room, the most energy-efficient method is with a space heater. There are a number of important factors you should consider when buying one of these, such as the size of a heater properly matching the size of the room. Perhaps the most critical feature is an automatic safety switch that shuts the heater off should it be tipped over. Pick a unit with a cord that’s long enough so you can position it safely without needing to connect it to an extension cord, which is not advised. Some units are hot to the touch which is an important issue when you have small children or pets, in which case a “cool touch” heater is strongly advised. Turn the device off before going to sleep as a safety measure, even though there are no fumes and the unit doesn’t need ventilation. Another significant advantage is the portability which lets you heat a particular area of the room without spending more on energy bills to warm up other areas that don’t need it.
Space heaters
In order to efficiently heat a modest-sized room you might want to consider a propane space heater, but be knowledgeable of all the safety instructions first. You should always read the manufacturer’s instruction manual prior to using a propane heater and check the restrictions that will be placed on the use of propane fuel, as in the case of landlords who may forbid their tenants from having one. You have two basic types of propane heaters, radiant heaters and circulation heaters, and there are fundamental differences between them: radiant heaters, also known as infrared heaters, are vent-free and heat the objects in a room before heating the air, whereas circulation heaters blow warmed air into the room. Safety considerations in the use of propane heaters might lead you to install the heater on a wall to prevent children and pets from touching them, and many heaters have automatic shut-off features which kick in when the room reaches a preset temperature. When shopping for the right propane heater, consider the dimensions of the room, as a heater that is too small will not cover the entire space, and a heater which is too large could over-heat the room. Be sure to get a heater that is designed for indoor use only, as outdoor heaters give off dangerous quantities of carbon monoxide and must never be used inside an enclosed space. Remember that safety is your first concern, not comfort, therefore don’t fall asleep with the heater left on, and definitely do not store flammable liquids anywhere near it. Lastly, never purchase a used heater or take an old one from your grandpa since safety codes are constantly changing and you should always purchase a brand-new heater to insure that all safety standards are met.
Make your patio comfortable during the winter months with a portable propane heater
Whether you place them out on the patio, deck, or balcony, portable propane heaters are cost-effective sources of outdoor warmth, but propane is also a cause for critical safety concerns. Don’t ever use a propane heater inside the house unless the manufacturer recommends it, and make sure that local safety codes allow indoor operation under any circumstances. Since heater models vary a lot, never assume that operating instructions for one model can work with other models, and never use non-propane fuel with a propane heater. Allow the instructions in the owner’s manual to lead you through the process of setting up your propane heater, and be sure you don’t take any shortcuts. The questions you need to answer are how much do you have to spend, what is the size of the area you intend to heat with a single heater, and whether or not you can place the heater on solid ground where it cannot be knocked over. There are always tipping risks related to portable heaters, and that is why you have to prevent large pets and small children from getting into direct contact with the heater. Always remember that what makes portable heaters convenient, the ability to move them around, also makes them hazardous if not handled with maximum care. Common sense dictates that you keep flammable material a safe distance from all hot air heaters, and in the case of a propane heater there should not be any object within three feet from the front.
If you found the above topics helpful, you may also obtain more information relating to residential heating and cooling on these different Internet sites. This link leads to more details regarding space heaters. Another source of support will be Under Floor Heating Tips which will post suggestions pertaining to underfloor heating information.