Visions of Sugar Plums and Holiday Safety

Ho, Ho, Ho, Holiday greetings to you!

Okay, I confess! I took some liberties in putting this list together. But keep in mind that electrical hazards know no season! Our friends at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSO) estimate that about 4,000 injuries associated with electric extension cords are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year. They also estimate that each year, about 3,300 residential fires originate in extension cords, killing 50 people and injuring about 270 others. The most frequent causes of such fires are short circuits, overloading, damage, and/or misuse of extension cords.Gotta love stockings hung by the fire - but gotta also be sure they are removed before the fire is a blazing! Maybe back in the day when wool stockings hung by the fire, it was not so risky, but these days those fuzzy fake flannel stockings burn better than fat lighter. So choose your effect - either stockings hung by the fireplace, or a fire in the fireplace, but certainly not both at the same time!The real point is, be it in our own homes, homes we visit, or homes we list, keep an eye out for the hazards that need to be addressed. Lives depend on it. Plus, if one of your property listings burn to the ground, it makes for some very difficult disclosures!While we are thinking about space heaters, be especially cautious about the misuse of kerosene-fired space heaters. These babies can really put out the heat! But please, read the directions and follow them like your life depended on it. Of special concern is ventilation. If your space heater's directions require outside air for ventilation, crack a window or what ever it takes to be compliant. The risk of death from carbon monoxide poisoning is far greater than fire. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless ensuring a sound sleep for all eternity.For some strange reason, otherwise sane and contentious homeowners decide to do their most creative electrical lighting, decorating, and wiring this time of year. Some of the more festive observations have been:

• Twelve indoor extension cords lying in a garden fountain
• Eleven lighted candles each behind a curtain
• Ten cracked cords in a single outlet
• Nine rocking reindeer sparking on a rooftop
• Eight unattended potpourri pots a bubbling and a boiling
• Seven realtors cell phones charging near a wet counter
• Six spliced wires wrapped with duct tape
• Five frosty snowmen hanging by frayed wires
• Four flood lights on a single broken fixture
• Three space heaters blowing on a Christmas tree
• Two light bulbs covered with red plastic bags
• One extension cord draped over a chimney while the fire's a blazing

And what about space heaters! These little gems can put just the right amount of heat right where you need it. But, they can also burn the house down. Space heaters need to be in a clear space! That might even be why they call them "space" heaters, cause if they are too close to bedding, curtains, or clothing there is a fair chance of fire. Many a home has burned even with the heater in clear space. Please be careful about flinging a towel, shirt, or sheet as you climb under the covers. Any article landing on the heater is certain to burn.Candles! Gosh they look so good and the scent can set the perfect holiday mood. But always remember this about candles - they are on fire! Seasonal candles on windowsills near your beautiful curtains and shears is a perfect blend for combustion. Please be sure candles are always attended when lighted, shielded by a glass enclosure, and located so the cat doesn't knock them over. And put out all candles before snuggling in for the night!Be safe and enjoy the holidays! ...more information...You may be feeling happy for the holidays, but you'll be roasting more than chestnuts if you lose respect for the dangers inherent in the season! It is sad to say, but more homes burn during December than any other month. And electricity is not the only hazard contributing to the risk.

Be safe and enjoy the holidays! ...more information...

Author: Wally Conway

Air Cooled Heat Exchangers

Air cooled heat exchangers are only one of many forms of heat exchanger. Heat exchangers are gadgets which are particularly designed for aiding the transfer of heat from one fluid towards the other. And for us to better fully grasp, typical samples of appliances which use heat exchangers would be the air conditioners, fridges as well as space heaters.

Fast-ActingPatio heaters work more quickly than other types of heaters to raise the surrounding temperature by 10-30 degrees Fahrenheit. They are also much safer and more contained than open fires, in the case of pits, grills and bonfires.* 550 square feet � 48,000 BTU�sAs more RV carports are being wired for electrical output, hooking up regulation heaters has become a common practice. For areas that don�t experience freezing temperatures, space heaters can also provide enough heat from a 120 volt outlet but care must always be taken to keep the heaters upright and away from all kinds of flammable materials. A �tip-over� feature automatically turns the heater off or emits a beeping sound should the unit be upended.* 250 square feet � 24,000 BTU�s (British Thermal Units)

ACHEs are also considered as a "green" alternative because no chemical treatment is needed to the water or fluid used by the assembly. And temperature is the only parameter that needs to be considered when getting rid of the water used. Without a proper heat exchanger equipment, overheating can certainly ruin your equipments and appliances, specially the parts subjected to heat. Out of all the things which have been mentioned, if we're to think about the trend the world is going, air cooled heat exchangers are the best choice for industrial plants and other plants when the environment is to be considered.

Author: Bryce Steed

Heating up the Scene: Patio Heaters

You�ve seen them more and more around on club patios and outside of upscale restaurants. Patio heaters are truly becoming a hot commodity used by commercial businesses as a consideration to their patrons and now they are also being sold residentially so you can enjoy the serene warmth of one at home. Traditionally made from stainless steel and aluminum, heaters can range anywhere from well over $800 for the more extravagant and commercial types to just under $200. There is the classic silver disc-shaped design but now also a variety of styles to choose from, including ones made to look like old-fashioned streetlamps.

ffers a steady as well as strong thermal performance due to the protection of the finned surface against wind, rain, hail and snow by the plenum chamber. The induced draft also assures a better air distribution, less hot air recirculation, less air-side fouling and reduced noise levels at grade. Space in between the fans and the tube bundle is encircled by a plenum chamber, that directs the air. The entire assembly is generally installed on legs or a pipe rack.Most patio heaters operate on a propane tank burning system that requires little cleanup afterward. They are also constructed in such a way as to be weather resistant and able to stand being out in rain and snow. However, some degree of maintenance is suggested to keep them working at their best and to reduce pollution buildup. And if not already assembled upon purchase, most heaters are simple to put together.But let's not dwell too much on the general heat exchanger instead let's at this point look at air cooled heat exchangers or ACHEs for short. This rejects heat from a warm fluid directly to fan-blowing ambient air. ACHEs are generally utilized whenever a procedure or set up produces heat that have to be removed and regrettably does not have local use. The automobile radiator is an example of ACHE equipment. The motor needs to be cooled down to avoid overheating due to friction and combustion functions of the engine. The extra heat is carried away by the water or glycol coolant mix. Majority of the heat have to be dispersed, and the best way is by supplying ambient air.The two primary options for heating these living spaces are electrical or gas generated heat. Getting the right sized heating unit for the space being used is critical to make sure that enough heat gets generated without spending too much on a unit that is bigger than it needs to be. The following are approximations for the heater output required to warm the square footage of a living/working space:ACHEs are also considered as a "green" alternative because no chemical treatment is needed to the water or fluid used by the assembly. And temperature is the only parameter that needs to be considered when getting rid of the water used. Without a proper heat exchanger equipment, overheating can certainly ruin your equipments and appliances, specially the parts subjected to heat. Out of all the things which have been mentioned, if we're to think about the trend the world is going, air cooled heat exchangers are the best choice for industrial plants and other plants when the environment is to be considered.SmokersPortabilityAfter getting the right sized heating unit, the next decision will be how best to heat the designated area. Depending on whether heating must be spread throughout the area or targeted to a specific area will determine the proper type of heater. For heating wide areas, going with a convection heater is usually the best choice. An example where a convection style heater would be best is an area where people might be dispersed or moving around such as a play area or for a business with work areas which are spread out over the square footage of the structure. A less expensive option, such as a radiant or infra-red heater, would work if the area to be heated can be targeted to a specific area, such as a work desk. Money can also be saved by insulating the structure and adding weather stripping to doors and windows.Patio heaters are most often found during spring and summer, but their usefulness extends into colder months as well. Perfect for outdoor parties and barbecues, keep the festivities going even as the night grows cooler. The heat from each unit normally extends about 20 feet outward, so one is adequate for smaller patios and decks. The following are some other reasons why you might want to consider investing in a stylish and functional patio heater.Unlike a lot of bulky and industrial-looking indoor space heaters, outdoor patio heaters do not pose an eyesore to their surroundings. The propane tank or alternate fuel source is often hidden inside the base of each unit, so all you�re left with is sleek design. With the many shapes, styles and sizes of heaters available on the market today, everyone can find one that suits their particular taste.Though most consider it a bad habit, that�s no reason to banish smokers to the cold. With state-wide smoking bans in place, most buildings require that all smokers go outside a pre-determined distance from a building�s entrance. Patio heaters are a considerate touch (which doesn�t hurt to boost workplace morale either), and even non-smokers can appreciate the communal aspect of having everyone congregate and chat around the pleasing heat source.Attractiveness

Unlike a lot of bulky and industrial-looking indoor space heaters, outdoor patio heaters do not pose an eyesore to their surroundings. The propane tank or alternate fuel source is often hidden inside the base of each unit, so all you�re left with is sleek design. With the many shapes, styles and sizes of heaters available on the market today, everyone can find one that suits their particular taste.

Author: Tonya Kerniva

Beating Winter Temperatures in an Enclosed RV Carport

The versatility and affordability of enclosed RV cover has expanded their uses beyond just sheltering vehicles to functioning as home offices, work spaces, and/or play areas. As these uses become more integral in work and family life, having the area in which these activities take place get shut down due to cold temperatures becomes less and less of an option. As carport designs continue to evolve, making them more like room additions than bare bones shelters, a variety of heating options has also developed.

In addition to being aware of the actual functions of ACHEs, we should also have a view upon how it works inside and its components. Generally, air coolers for process usage are comprised of a finned-tube bundle with rectangular container headers in both ends of the tubes. Headers are boxers that eliminates the fluid in the piping to the tubes. The other parts include a number of fans that provide cooling air. The fans are commonly driven by electrical motors and are supported by speed reduction devices. The fan drive assemblage is sustained by a metal mechanical drive support system. Normally, the air flows up-wards all the way through a horizontal tube bundle. The fans could be either forced or induced draft, dependant upon if the air is pushed or pulled through the tube bundle. Forced draft unit permits a straightforward access for maintenance for the fans and to the bundles. In addition, the fans continue to be within the cold ambient air. Whilst the induced draft unit o!* 350 square feet � 36,000 BTU�sSafetyLow MaintenanceUnderstanding and knowing the inside and out of ACHEs is fairly hard, particularly when you have no background in mechanical matters. And due to this, let us once more shift our focus on another subject matter, which is the "why" question. With regards to economy, air coolers are desired due to lower maintenance cost. Some other benefits presented by air coolers are as follows: lack of the need for cooling water or other cooling media, no problem shall arise with regards to the thermal and chemical pollution of cooling fluids, and it quite fast to install by bolted assembly.Gas heaters can generate heat from both fixed and portable sources. Natural gas and liquid petroleum supply heaters from fixed piping systems while propane and kerosene are carried in storage tanks. With any gas based heating system it is extremely important to ventilate the heated area as well as placing carbon monoxide sensors around the interior of the structure to alert occupants of any kind of buildup of the noxious gas. Of the four gas sources, kerosene carries a consistently strong odor making it probably the least desirable source of heat, especially in an enclosed or poorly ventilated structure.

Gas heaters can generate heat from both fixed and portable sources. Natural gas and liquid petroleum supply heaters from fixed piping systems while propane and kerosene are carried in storage tanks. With any gas based heating system it is extremely important to ventilate the heated area as well as placing carbon monoxide sensors around the interior of the structure to alert occupants of any kind of buildup of the noxious gas. Of the four gas sources, kerosene carries a consistently strong odor making it probably the least desirable source of heat, especially in an enclosed or poorly ventilated structure.

Author: Kevin Keen

Alternative Heating � How Much Room Do You Need?

Even if you owned a million dollar townhouse in Boston�s Back Bay, there just isn't enough room on a 25' x 100' lot for a townhouse, small deck, a couple of parking spaces AND a closed loop geothermal heating system.

Let�s not forget the ever popular space heater. For many elderly homeowners who spend most of their time in one room of their home, a space heater is the least expensive way to supplement their conventional heating system.A three acre lot will afford you the space to install a slightly less expensive horizontal closed loop geothermal system, a wind turbine or even an outdoor wood, pellet or corn furnace.Protection in Outdoor Habitats:Just as the sky and landscape open up in rural America, so do opportunities for alternative heating.If a dog ever begins to shake or shiver from cold temperatures, make an effort to slowly, but steadily, warm her, as persistent shivering is a sign of hypothermia, which can be very dangerous to both dogs and humans.Suburban lot sizes can run anywhere from � of an acre to three acres. But even a quarter acre lot opens up the possibility of a vertical closed loop geothermal system.Keeping Dogs Healthy in Winter Months:An adaptation of the wood or pellet stove is the fully vented fireplace insert. They are comparably priced to freestanding stoves and offer a simple way to turn an otherwise inefficient fireplace into a source of heat for multiple rooms.If it gets too cold outside, consider bringing a dog inside, especially during the evening hours, and prepare a warm space for them to sleep through the night.Remember, also, that paws can become irritated when they come into contact with cold surfaces and salt used on icy surfaces. Special boots that are made for dogs are advisable when walking a dog in the snow or on icy surfaces. This can also help keep the dog from sliding on such surfaces. Be patient, however, with dogs that aren't used to wearing boots as such may take some time for them to get used to.These are just some of the most notable causes of home fires. Whether you decide to move to Denver or to any other city, it is important to take a look into these. Fire damage in Denver is something you can avoid but in case an accident still happened, keep the phone number of the local fire department handy, as well as a fire damage restoration company.Whether the dog lives indoors or outdoors, aging pets often develop arthritis. Just as humans experience painful joints in cold, damp weather, such can be as painful for an arthritic dog. To help alleviate the effects of the cold on a dog's arthritis, consider dog clothes to help provide additional warmth during the winter season. A dog sweater is advisable to keep their joints warm and to make sure arthritic dogs are as comfortable as possible in severe weather.Electric and hydronic (hot water) radiant heat are extremely versatile and can be installed anywhere. The hydronic application of radiant heat can be fueled by anything from corn to gas and can be adapted to heat driveways, hot tubs and of course, your home.The increasingly popular manufactured home is a growing segment of the suburban real estate market, and fire safety codes are very specific as to what you can use to heat your home.Unvented gas log fireplaces or propane space heaters are less expensive to purchase and install but are controversial with respect to health risks and are prohibited in some localities. Make sure the unit you purchase has an ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor). This safety device turns off the heater when the oxygen in the room drops below 18%. (Normal is around 21%)Take the case of space heaters. Denver enjoys generally mild weather even during winter. When it gets real cold, the choice of using space heaters becomes a viable option for people residing in this beautiful Colorado city. However, space heaters should be used with much caution. According to the National fire Protection Association, 79 percent of fatalities caused by residential heating is caused by space heaters. It is second to cooking in the list of leading causes of home fires.Urban Alternative HeatingOnly when you narrow down the choices for alternative heating or cooling based on where you live, can you begin to focus your time and energy on the most relevant, cost effective heating solution.If a dog lives outside in a kennel, consider covering the top of the kennel with a water-resistant tarp, or other protective covering, to insulate the dog from the elements. Or, consider placing a doghouse inside of the kennel, so that the dog has safe shelter from rain and snow. The dog's bedding should also always be slightly elevated to keep from becoming wet or frozen. Special heaters or heating pads may also be added to the kennel or doghouse to provide additional warmth. If using a heating device, be sure it is designed for use in pet shelters, as regular space heaters are never to be used in animal shelters or enclosures.Rural Alternative HeatingWalking Outside:Although wind, geothermal and outdoor furnace systems are more expensive than the typical $2000 wood pellet stove, they are very efficient and pay for themselves in only a few years.Geothermal, outdoor furnaces and most wind power are not suitable for urban or small-lot suburban homes. Except for very small wind turbines (i.e., with rotors one meter or less in diameter) on very small towers, a property size of one acre or more is desirable.For instance, if you partner with a program such as Energy Crafted Home in Connecticut, it�s possible to receive a rebate of $713 per ton of geothermal heating/cooling capacity. For the 3,000 sq. ft. home just mentioned, it would mean a rebate of $2,971.Suburban Alternative Heating

The choices for alternative heating are plentiful no matter where you live. It�s just a matter of knowing where you fit in.

Author: Sam Streubel

Cold Weather and Your Dogs Safety

Birds fly south in the winter; people shop for winter wardrobes, weatherize their homes and even prepare their cars for protection against cold weather. When preparing for dropping temperatures, it is equally important keep dogs warm and safe. While many dogs live outdoors in kennels or in doghouses, there are ways to keep them warm and safe from the elements, even in such shelters. Arthritic dogs, especially, should be given special attention in cold weather and dog clothes or other protective devices should be used to keep them warm day and night.

Decorative gel fireplaces are nice to look at, but aren�t considered legitimate heating devices.At approximately $5000, the outdoor furnace is your least expensive option. A quality 1,800 watt wind turbine and tower can be purchased for $7,000. If geothermal is your system of choice, a new 3,000 sq. ft. home can be heated and cooled for around $20,000. Rebates and tax credits could reduce this amount substantially.If you live in high humidity Alabama, the less expensive and environmentally friendly swamp cooler will never be a viable substitute for central air conditioning.Solar for hot water is on the rise in urban areas. A neighbor of mine in the Port Norfolk section of Boston recently installed a solar array on the roof of his two family home. His contractor did a first rate job and it doesn�t detract from the visual appeal of his house at all. He also says his hot water bill now costs him �chump change�.With so much room to work with, you could easily design a CHP (Combined Heat and Power Unit) and heat your home for 70% less than fuel oil.One Connecticut pellet stove dealer I spoke with said he sold so many wood pellet and corn stoves last winter he was forced to temporarily close one of his two stores for lack of product.Check with your local building department to find out exactly which alternative heating appliances are permitted before you start shopping for the best deal.Wood burning stoves have been used in urban areas for as long as I can remember.I bought my first air tight stove in 1976. Corn and wood pellet stoves are quickly gaining acceptance as new installations or replacements for existing wood stoves.The choices for alternative heating are plentiful no matter where you live. It�s just a matter of knowing where you fit in.An enjoyable activity like cooking seems harmless but it is actually topping the list of causes of home fires, which at times result to injuries and deaths. While we cannot (and should not) avoid cooking, we should strive to keep safety on our side. Simple things like cleaning grease on stove or checking propane grills can go a long way in ensuring a home safe from fire. Having devices like smoke alarms and fire extinguishers should also be considered. Lastly, have a qualified electrician check your wirings, circuit breakers, and other electrical connections especially if you notice any problem with it.A dog's temperature is always slightly warmer than the average human's temperature. When forecasts get too chilly, a few special precautions are all that's generally needed to make sure that you and your dog are comfortable on winter days.Dogs with Special Needs:

A dog's temperature is always slightly warmer than the average human's temperature. When forecasts get too chilly, a few special precautions are all that's generally needed to make sure that you and your dog are comfortable on winter days.

Author: Kelly Marshall

Fire Damage Denver - Maybe The Weather Is Good But Your Home Maintenance Is Not

Fire damage Denver is probably not among many things that would pop into your head when you think about relocating in The Mile High City. Most likely, your thoughts are focused on breathtaking mountain views, upscale shopping havens and must-see parks, theaters and museums - everything that will be short rides or even mere steps away once you are finally settled in this side of Colorado.

During the winter months, dogs often need to eat more calories to help them produce sufficient amounts of their own body heat. Consulting a veterinarian on how to increase the dog's caloric intake, without overfeeding, is the best way to accomplish this.A possible CHP for homeowners in the Corn Belt would be an outdoor corn furnace for heat and hot water, coupled with a wind turbine for electricityProtection for Indoor Dogs:

These are just some of the most notable causes of home fires. Whether you decide to move to Denver or to any other city, it is important to take a look into these. Fire damage in Denver is something you can avoid but in case an accident still happened, keep the phone number of the local fire department handy, as well as a fire damage restoration company.

Author: Leo Nov