December 2009

How to Re-charge a Hot Water Boiler Expansion Tank

There are two basic types of hot water boiler expansion tanks. There is the older style large horizontal steel tank and the newer style smaller diaphragm tank (highlighted in the diagram above). In older boiler systems the steel expansion tank may be found in the attic or suspended between joists in the basement. In newer [...]

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Furnaces and Boilers Overview

Most U.S. homes are heated with either furnaces or boilers. Furnaces heat air and distribute the heated air through the house using ducts; boilers heat water, providing either hot water or steam for heating. Steam is distributed via pipes to steam radiators, and hot water can be distributed via baseboard radiators or radiant floor systems, [...]

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Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audits

You can easily conduct a home energy audit yourself. With a simple but diligent walk-through, you can spot many problems in any type of house. When auditing your home, keep a checklist of areas you have inspected and problems you found. This list will help you prioritize your energy efficiency upgrades. Locating Air Leaks First, [...]

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New, hybrid log home attractive and energy-efficient

Log homes today aren’t necessarily accompanied by the problems and complications of past years. Sal and Denise Campagna wanted the look and feel of a log home with better insulation and without the usual problems caused by settling and shrinkage. They had built their first hybrid log home in 1996 and moved into it in [...]

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ENERGY STAR Efficiency Rebates & Credits

DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Established in 1995 and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, DSIRE is an ongoing project of the N.C. Solar Center and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council. Many rebates and tax credits [...]

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Boiler Inspection and Maintenance

Boilers can be dangerous if not inspected and maintained properly. Each year, countless accidents, breakdowns and unnecessary shutdowns occur among the approximately 43,000 industrial boilers in the chemical, food processing, paper, refining and primary metals industries throughout the United States. Boiler breakdowns can cost thousands of dollars in equipment repairs as well as hundreds of [...]

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