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The economy has reached an interesting point in our history. It's not at the lowest it has ever been. We are still enjoying parts of our lives that can be enjoyed despite our downturn. But, it does take some creative ingenuity to enjoy some of the things we need like heat.
In this economy, it has become critical that we return to some old ways of heating. Also, we can find new ways that will keep us warm this winter as we enter into it. Burning wood and gas don't always have to be the alternatives we turn to during the chill of the winter months.
Solar Heating
When people think of solar heating, they think of panels that are attached on the roof and tied into the electrical system running the electrical needs throughout the home. While that is true, there are also passive solar heating methods that help to heat the home even though they might not be able to provide extra electric to your home.
Large south-facing windows allow the sun to directly shine through. If the windows extend from the floor to the ceiling, you'll have heat in those rooms all day long that also provide heat to other rooms depending on the size and the insulation. If you have thermal mass insulation, it can store heat for the nighttime as well. So, that heat is a source that doesn't come with a bill plus the heat is still there long after the heating source has disappeared.
Thermal mass insulation is usually rather typical resources like certain masonry and tiles, while other thermal mass insulation utilizes newer methods like water filled tubes. Thermal mass actually absorbs the heat during the day and then releases it at night. It's smart material that you should look into if you are thinking of making some heating changes in your home to save your pocket.
Of course, active solar heating does utilize panels that normally sit on the roof. The best method is to utilize solar panels that gather the sun's energy for all of your electric needs rather than a system that is merely put in place to collect energy from the sun for heating purposes only. When you have free electric tied into your electrical system, you can run all of your electric appliances as well as utilize electrical heating solutions.
Hydronic Heating
This is a rather simple change to make to your home, especially if you have wood floors or tiles. Hydronic heating is a heating system that is run through your floors with tubing that can be heating with a water heater on demand. The tubing heats the floor at a comfortable level, which then rises as heat tends to do. With a water heater on demand system in place, you can count on lowered heating bills. In fact, you just might love the investment you make when you see the heating bill.
Geothermal Heating
This is a rather natural way to heat your home as well as cool it in the summer. There are layers of the earth that begin with the surface and end at the core. But, just below the earth's surface is a layer that always stays at 70 degrees. It's not far down and you can install a heat pump in that layer of the earth so that it can utilize various methods to pump heat into the home during the winter and in turn also keeps the home cool during the summer. If you utilized hydronic heating and solar energy in conjunction with geothermal heating, you would never see another heating bill.Â
Get completely off grid. With this economy, it's pretty vital. The electric and gas companies are going to start looking to you for their survival. As costs of heating rise, you'll find it harder and harder to switch to alternative methods. The sooner you do it, the sooner your investment will start paying you back.
About this Author
Jessica Brylan has been a student of construction all her life, under her father who retired in 2004. Her passion turned to interior design and strangely evolved into becoming a fireplace expert. She has written such great reports as DIY Outdoor Fireplaces, Fireplace Ideas Report, and DIY Fireplace. Read further details about the Ventless Gel Fireplace reports at The Ventless Gel Fireplace Reports and sign up for the newsletter so you can be updated whenever Jessica Brylan puts out a new one.
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