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	<title>House And Home Tips And Tricks</title>
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	<link>http://writtenarticles.com/house</link>
	<description>Tips And Tricks For Around The House</description>
	<pubDate>Tue, 29 Jul 2008 03:44:11 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Central Heating from a Wood Burning Boiler</title>
		<link>http://writtenarticles.com/house/central-heating-from-a-wood-burning-boiler/</link>
		<comments>http://writtenarticles.com/house/central-heating-from-a-wood-burning-boiler/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 08 Feb 2008 11:42:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><ADMINNICENAME></dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Heating]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://writtenarticles.com/house/central-heating-from-a-wood-burning-boiler/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Many people do not usually consider a wood burning stove to be an efficient source for heating your entire house. However, by utilizing a wood burning stove in conjunction with a boiler system, you may be able to save more than you would think and do so in an efficient manner.

In the past there were [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Many people do not usually consider a wood burning stove to be an efficient source for heating your entire house. However, by utilizing a wood burning stove in conjunction with a boiler system, you may be able to save more than you would think and do so in an efficient manner.<br />
<span id="more-67"></span><br />
In the past there were many safety considerations you would have to make when considering a wood burning boiler. For one, boilers were believed to be dangerous and an outdated technology, but the systems that are available today offer many features that have made these systems safer.</p>
<p>The newer technology of wood burning boiler systems allows you to place the system up to 500 feet away from the location that you are heating. In addition, you can heat other buildings as well with this one system, such as garages, barns, sheds, work areas and greenhouses. The wood burning stove heats water and the water is pumped through specialized thermal pipes underground to your home. The system then converts the hot water into heat that can be spread throughout your home or building via a forced-air furnace, radiant baseboard or radiant flooring system. This also allows you to control your heat via a thermostat.</p>
<p>Additionally, these systems allow you to use them to heat all of your water. This is possible by adding a water to water heat exchanger to your system, which saves you in electricity and gas because these two sources are not being utilized to heat your water. These systems can also be used to heat your swimming pool or hot tub.</p>
<p>There are three methods that these wood burning boiler systems can heat your home. If you are looking for the typical central heating concept, then you will be interested in the forced air system. The forced air system uses a water to air heat exchanger and can utilize the existing air ducts in your home. Your existing furnace system can then be used as a back of source of heating should you require it. This allows you to switch your home to a more energy efficient and reduce the amount of time you use your energy wasting furnace.</p>
<p>These systems are easily able to allow you to spend in a year what you would have previously spent in a month. Additionally, you save because you are also able to heat your water. Also, you don&#8217;t have the indoor mess that a wood stove can cause. The wood that you use also does not need to be split, making it even more convenient as a wood burning stove and central heating system.</p>
<p>Chris Brown is a regular contributor to <a href="http://www.home-remodeling-center.com/">Home Remodeling</a>, Wood Stove Review and Kitchen Remodeling websites. Chris also takes pride in many of his own do-it-yourself projects around his own home.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Central Heating and Outdoor Pellet Stoves</title>
		<link>http://writtenarticles.com/house/central-heating-and-outdoor-pellet-stoves/</link>
		<comments>http://writtenarticles.com/house/central-heating-and-outdoor-pellet-stoves/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 08 Feb 2008 11:41:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><ADMINNICENAME></dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Heating]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://writtenarticles.com/house/central-heating-and-outdoor-pellet-stoves/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Central heating and outdoor pellet stoves work in virtually the same manner. These systems are excellent if you are looking for a manner in which you can heat not only your home, but other buildings, swimming pools and spas at a lower cost than if you were to utilize a traditional furnace.
Most outdoor furnaces are [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Central heating and outdoor <a target="_blank" href="http://www.writtenarticles.com/house/pellet-stoves/">pellet stoves</a> work in virtually the same manner. These systems are excellent if you are looking for a manner in which you can heat not only your home, but other buildings, swimming pools and spas at a lower cost than if you were to utilize a traditional furnace.<span id="more-66"></span></p>
<p>Most outdoor furnaces are non-pressurized and are able to save you massive amounts on your heating costs each year. Not only are the outdoor <a target="_blank" href="http://www.writtenarticles.com/house/pellet-stoves/">pellet stoves</a> able to burn pellets, but also other types of fuel as well including wood, coal, corn cob and other natural fuels. The burning of natural fuels allows you to be more self-sufficient and saves you on expensive natural gas and oil heating bills. Additionally, these systems can be set up with a thermostat in your home to ensure proper temperature control. Your original heating system does not have to be disconnected, but used only as a back-up source should you require it.</p>
<p>Outdoor <a target="_blank" href="http://www.writtenarticles.com/house/pellet-stoves/">pellet stoves</a> are not usually placed as far away from the buildings as a boiler system can be. Outdoor <a target="_blank" href="http://www.writtenarticles.com/house/pellet-stoves/">pellet stoves</a> are placed approximately twenty feet away from your home, while a boiler system can be placed up to five hundred feet away from your home. Both systems heat water that is then ran through an air-to-water heat exchange system. You may also add a water-to-water heat exchange system to allow you to provide your home with hot water off of the same system.</p>
<p>On both the central heating and outdoor pellet stove models, the mess is located outside your home. There is no wood to be stacked or hauled inside. Plus, the risk of house fires and chimney fires are eliminated. Additionally, you don&#8217;t have to worry about smoke inhalation or carbon monoxide poisoning, making these very safe options for heating your home.</p>
<p>The greatest benefit to these systems is not only your heating versatility, but also the fact that you can save up 50-100% on your heating annual costs. What it cost you prior to the system per month, may now cost you only that amount each year.</p>
<p>If you would like even more convenience in your life, these systems can provide it. Imagine never having to scrape ice and snow off of your sidewalks and driveway. With these systems you can have radiant piping installed under your driveway and walk ways. When it snows or ices over in the winter, the piping will melt it away and it doesn&#8217;t cost any more than to run your outdoor pellet stove.</p>
<p>The system you choose will depend entirely on your needs, but either system is bound to decrease your heating and add convenience to your lifestyle.</p>
<p>Chris Brown is a regular contributor to <a href="http://www.home-remodeling-center.com/">Home Remodeling</a>, Pellet Stove Review and Kitchen Remodeling websites. Chris also takes pride in many of his own do-it-yourself projects around his own home.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Tips On Buying A Portable Heater</title>
		<link>http://writtenarticles.com/house/tips-on-buying-a-portable-heater/</link>
		<comments>http://writtenarticles.com/house/tips-on-buying-a-portable-heater/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 08 Feb 2008 11:38:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><ADMINNICENAME></dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Heating]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://writtenarticles.com/house/tips-on-buying-a-portable-heater/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are various models of portable heating systems available today. Also known as Space Heaters these are mainly of two kinds- Electric and Gas.
Winters are considered to be the favorite season for a large number of people. After all, when can you enjoy huddling around a campfire, celebrating Christmas and making snowmen? However, after playing [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are various models of portable heating systems available today. Also known as Space Heaters these are mainly of two kinds- Electric and Gas.</p>
<p>Winters are considered to be the favorite season for a large number of people. After all, when can you enjoy huddling around a campfire, celebrating Christmas and making snowmen? However, after playing out in the snow for a while we all crave for some warmth, because, let&#8217;s face it, frozen limbs make it extremely uncomfortable to do any chores!<span id="more-65"></span></p>
<p>There are numerous types of heaters available in the market today. But it&#8217;s not feasible to put one in every room of your house. And what if you want to enjoy the snow clad surroundings, sitting out on your patio? The solution for all these problems is a Portable Heater. These are radiant, forced-air and convection type units with various models for propane, kerosene or natural gas. They provide even, non-drying floor to ceiling heat and even reduce positive ions in the atmosphere responsible for many respiratory problems. These can range from 4,000 to even 200,000 BTUs depending on the kind of model you buy. They provide heating solutions for a variety of applications that include Outdoor Recreation like camping, fishing, hunting or tailgating, DIY use for workshops, garage or barns, Contractor use like construction or job sites, Industrial purposes like warehouses, factories or loading docks and for Emergency use like power outages, roadside emergencies.</p>
<p>A standard portable heat system can be used to instantly warm your home, outhouse, tent or cabin and enhance the comfort level to a great extent. A great number of portable heat systems are specially designed for use for outdoor recreation in tents and camps. The heat in such portable heaters is made to spread in such a way so as to ward off insects and small animals. These special Portable Heaters run on battery and can to run for weeks together.</p>
<p>There are various models of portable heating systems available today. Also known as Space Heaters these are mainly of two kinds- Electric and Gas. Gas Heaters are typically used when the main heating system is inadequate or when central heating is too costly to install or operate. In some cases, these can be a less expensive option to use if you only want to heat one room or supplement inadequate heating. They are ideal for those who are sensitive to cold as they can boost the room temperature significantly. Common fuels used for the heating purpose are electricity, propane, natural gas and kerosene.</p>
<p>A portable LPG heater is the perfect answer if you don&#8217;t want the cost of extending the central heating system and no-wall socket is handy. These are available in some very smart designs and are also economical to run. Also, you won&#8217;t have to wait for the heat to build up over hours. Just turn the knob and you have instant radiated heat to toast your hands and feet, and at the same time gently warming convected heat will bring a warm glow to the whole room.</p>
<p>A Portable Electric Heater is an effective and convenient way to add supplementary heating to a chilly room or to heat an unheated space. These are ideal for office workers and renters who don&#8217;t have temperature control around their desk or living space, or for homeowners who prefer to walk into a heated room. However, if you are thinking about getting a Portable Electric Heater to warm you up on those cold mornings, you should get in to the habit of unplugging and storing it when not in use, to prevent any unwanted accidents.</p>
<p>Although most of these rely on convection (the circulation of air in a room) to heat a room, some rely on radiant heating; that is, they emit infrared radiation that directly heats up objects and people that are within their line of sight. Radiant heaters are a more efficient choice when you will be in a room for only a few hours, if you can remain within the line of sight of the heater. They can be more efficient if you&#8217;re using a room for a short period because they avoid the energy needed to heat the entire room by instead directly heating the occupant of the room and his immediate surroundings.</p>
<p>An important aspect of portable heating systems is safety. Buying scrupulous heaters means significant savings for your pocket, but putting a lot many things at stake. To start with, ensure that you purchase any portable heating system that is certified and approved and that you are aware of all operating instructions before using it. A general precaution is keeping portable heaters away from inflammable materials such as clothing, blankets, tent materials. Keep some simple guidelines in mind before settling for a heater of your choice:</p>
<p>Choose thermostatically controlled heaters, since they avoid the energy waste of overheating a room.<br />
Select a heater of the proper size for the room you wish to heat. Do not purchase over-sized models. Most of these come with a general sizing table.<br />
Check the cord before plugging in the heater. If it is frayed, worn or broken, do not use it. Either have an electrician replace the cord or replace the heater. Simply putting tape on the cord is not enough to prevent overheating and fire.<br />
Never use an extension cord with a Portable Heater.<br />
Keep electric models away from sinks, tubs, and other wet or damp places to avoid electric shocks.<br />
Never leave the heater unattended and never leave the house or go to bed without turning it off.<br />
Do not hang items to dry above the heater.<br />
Keep all heaters out of high traffic and exit areas.</p>
<p>Keeping these guidelines in mind can save you an immense amount of discomfort and make your lives a lot more convenient.</p>
<p>You can check out the <a href="http://www.heater-store.com/">Heater Store</a> and browse through the various kinds of Portable Heaters on offer. Happy shopping!</p>
<p>Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/portable+heater" rel="tag">portable heater</a></p>
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		<title>Solar Hot Water Heaters</title>
		<link>http://writtenarticles.com/house/solar-hot-water-heaters/</link>
		<comments>http://writtenarticles.com/house/solar-hot-water-heaters/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:48:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><ADMINNICENAME></dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Heating]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://writtenarticles.com/house/solar-hot-water-heaters/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In the 1970&#8217;s and 80&#8217;s Solar Energy first emerged as a potentially viable and cost-effective alternative to traditional heating sources such as fuel oil, natural gas, coal, wood, and electric. Unfortunately, these first generation solar collectors were expensive, inefficient, and delivered long payback periods and lower returns on the initial investment than expected.
In the following [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In the 1970&#8217;s and 80&#8217;s Solar Energy first emerged as a potentially viable and cost-effective alternative to traditional heating sources such as fuel oil, natural gas, coal, wood, and electric. Unfortunately, these first generation solar collectors were expensive, inefficient, and delivered long payback periods and lower returns on the initial investment than expected.</p>
<p>In the following decades leaders in the Solar Energy Industry went back to work, striving to create more efficient, more affordable, and more cost-effective Solar Water Heaters that would not only be a viable alternative to traditional heating sources, but would be able to supplant the majority of our heating needs, lowering the world&#8217;s dependence on non-renewable energy sources, which cannot be replaced once they are depleted.<br />
<span id="more-64"></span><br />
Today, there are three main types of Solar Water Heaters available. These collectors are for more efficient and cost-effective than their predecessors, and are well-suited for a number of applications such as small residential installations and pool heating, all the way to large commercial, industrial and municipal installations across the United States, and around the world. These three collectors are Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors, Flat Plate Solar Collectors, and Unglazed Solar Collectors.</p>
<p><strong>Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors</strong> - these collectors are typically the most expensive of Solar Thermal Collectors. The unique tube design of these collectors makes them extremely efficient at collecting and transferring heat energy to your home&#8217;s hot water. Because of the unique design, Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors, unlike Flat Plate Collectors, are great at operating at high efficiency earlier and later in the day than other solar technologies, and during the winter months when the days are shorter and the sun is a far lower elevation in the sky. This makes Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors far more cost-effective in these climates and locations.</p>
<p><strong>Flat Plate Solar Collectors</strong> - these collectors are typically less expensive than Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors, but in warmer, southern climates, can just as, if not more efficient and cost-effective. Flat Plate Solar Collectors are not particularly freeze protected, and like a Solar Panel for PV Energy, require the sun to be directly overhead at as close to a 90 angle as possible in order to operate with decent efficiency.</p>
<p>Because of these factors, Flat Plate Solar Collectors particularly ineffective during the winter months in northern, cold climates where freezing is a problem, the days are extremely short, and the sun is at extremely low angles every day. However, in southern climates where winters are mild, the days remain long, and the sun remains at a relatively high angle, because of their lower initial cost, Flat Plate Solar Collectors are one of the most cost-effective Solar Water Heaters available.</p>
<p><strong>Unglazed Solar Collectors</strong> - these collectors are specifically designed for Solar Pool Heating. These collectors are effective for Pool Heating because they are low-temperature (about 120-150 F) and high volume heaters. These collectors are the lowest cost of all Solar Water Heaters, often costing under $200 per collector, and are generally constructed of flexible tube like material that can simply be rolled out and mounted directly to a roof, fence, or the ground in a matter of minutes. These collectors are extremely efficient and powerful in all areas of the United States during the summer months, but are not rated to stand up to winter weather such as snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. If you are looking for an affordable way to heat your pool and extend your swimming season earlier in the spring and later in the fall, regardless of where you live, Unglazed Solar Collectors may be the right choice for you.</p>
<p>Any of these Solar Water Heaters can save the average American homeowner hundreds of dollars a year, and thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the system once it is installed and operational. Today, home and water heating costs account for almost 40% of our annual energy bills, and these Solar Water Heaters can replace 65-80% of these costs for an initial investment of just a few thousand dollars. In fact, purchasing and installing a Solar Water Heater often costs as much as installing a new traditional heater, but through energy savings, will pay for itself in as little as 3-5 years.</p>
<p>If you would like more extensive information, or would like help discovering the financial benefits of installing a Solar Water Heater in your own home, I recommend that you contact a Solar Hot Water Professional for a Free Home and Cost-Benefit Analysis today. Silicon Solar Inc, manufacturers of the SunMaxx Solar Water Heaters, the lowest priced Solar Collectors on the market, can be found at <a href="http://www.sunmaxxsolar.com">http://www.sunmaxxsolar.com</a></p>
<p>Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Solar+Hot+Water+Heaters" rel="tag">Solar Hot Water Heaters</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Unglazed+Solar+Collectors" rel="tag">Unglazed Solar Collectors</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Flat+Plate+Solar+Collectors" rel="tag">Flat Plate Solar Collectors</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Evacuated+Tube+Solar+Collectors" rel="tag">Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors</a></p>
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		<title>Keeping Your Place From Freezing</title>
		<link>http://writtenarticles.com/house/keeping-your-place-from-freezing/</link>
		<comments>http://writtenarticles.com/house/keeping-your-place-from-freezing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 26 Jan 2008 17:34:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><ADMINNICENAME></dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[House]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://writtenarticles.com/house/keeping-your-place-from-freezing/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Maybe you are just now experiencing winter this year or maybe you are in an area that&#8217;s been hit several times by the freezes, ice overs and wintry mixes. There are a number of things that you can keep in mind to help make your apartment life a lot easier during these times of cold.
Drip, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Maybe you are just now experiencing winter this year or maybe you are in an area that&#8217;s been hit several times by the freezes, ice overs and wintry mixes. There are a number of things that you can keep in mind to help make your apartment life a lot easier during these times of cold.</p>
<p>Drip, Drip, Drip- First off, protect those pipes! If you are expecting an overnight freeze, it is very important to leave one of your sinks dripping to prevent the pipes from freezing, busting, and your apartment building having a terrible leak.</p>
<p>Plants are People Too- Okay, so plants aren&#8217;t really people of course, but they are effected by freezes just as we are and can in fact be killed by being stuck out in the freezing cold. So, if you have plants on your porch, you&#8217;ll want to bring them inside if possible. If you can&#8217;t bring them inside, cover them with some bed sheets, to try and help shield them from the blistering cold.<span id="more-63"></span></p>
<p>Pets- Bring any and all pets inside. Just because they have fur, means nothing in the face of a wintery mix.</p>
<p>Heaters- Crank up the heaters to be safe. With a central heating unit you should be in good shape, but to prevent your electric bill from sky rocketing, be sure to turn off the heater when your apartment is not being occupied. Try not using space heaters if possible, but if you do, always remember to use them safely!</p>
<p>Layers and Blankets- Break out the ugly old ski jacket or the millions of blankets. Whatever you need to do to maintain your comfort, do it! Trust me, staying warm is well worth the embarrasment of a silly old jacket, or the work of getting your old heavy blankets out of storage.</p>
<p>Parking Lot Care- If the roads freeze over and you absolutely must drive on the iced roads, use extreme caution everywhere&#8230;especially in the parking lot of your apartments. Let your car heat up a little before you begin driving and be careful if you are sliding around in the parking lot.</p>
<p>Many of us love the winter, but we ALL need to take the right precautions and most importantly, be cautious of the dangers and prepared to overcome them.</p>
<p>Jeff&#8217;s just a regular guy with a funny goatee that really enjoys people and life. On top of that he is a bit of an expert on apartments, living in them, and getting the most out of the apartment living lifestyle.</p>
<p>As a Managing Partner of Apartment Home Living, Jeff wants to help you find the right apartment by getting to know you. Not only where you want to live &#038; what you want to pay, but what you like. This way, we can help you find an apartment that fits your personality, not just your budget.</p>
<p>At AHL Apartmentites have a platform to share their own stories, get great info &#038; tips on <a href="http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/">apartment living</a>, read Jeff&#8217;s entertaining blogs/stories, find Answers to a wide array of apartment related questions, and have a ton of fun sharing their love of apartment living with others. Don&#8217;t forget to go and set up your own MyPlace page to really get the full Apartmentite experience!</p>
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		<title>Buying A Bathroom Heater</title>
		<link>http://writtenarticles.com/house/buying-a-bathroom-heater/</link>
		<comments>http://writtenarticles.com/house/buying-a-bathroom-heater/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:47:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><ADMINNICENAME></dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Heating]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://writtenarticles.com/house/buying-a-bathroom-heater/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[On those chilly winter mornings, don&#8217;t you always wish that after leaving your snug bed you could walk into a warm, cozy bathroom as well? Well there are many options available today to make your wish come true. With Bathroom Heaters, you can keep your bathroom warm all day.
If temperatures plummeting is a natural occurrence [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>On those chilly winter mornings, don&#8217;t you always wish that after leaving your snug bed you could walk into a warm, cozy bathroom as well? Well there are many options available today to make your wish come true. With Bathroom Heaters, you can keep your bathroom warm all day.</p>
<p>If temperatures plummeting is a natural occurrence where you stay, a bathroom heater has to be an essential component of your home. A good heater not only provides warmth to keep you from catching a cold when you are undressed or wet from bathing or taking a shower, it also provides comfort and is necessary for general well being and health.<span id="more-62"></span></p>
<p>If you have a heater in the bathroom, it can cut down on the chill in the air, but it can also help to evaporate the humidity or moisture that collects in bathrooms. Due to this, it helps to prevent bacteria and mold from growing in your bathroom. It also helps to keep your bath linens from getting mildewed when you leave them behind by drying them out while it dries out the rest of the bathroom.</p>
<p>Bathroom heaters are available in a far greater range of styles than most homeowners realize. These come as overhead or wall mounted heaters. The Overhead ones are the standard fare and usually consists of a radiant heater, fan and light combination. For most people these units are more than sufficient for their bathroom heating needs. Bathroom Wall heaters are ideal if you&#8217;re looking for something more stylish. These thin, contemporary heaters can be installed on any wall, anywhere in the room.</p>
<p>Radiant heat models are most common, though there are standard Electric Bathroom Heaters available as well. These heaters are great for generating heat in specific areas, like the toilet, and for heating up floors if you get a model with a fan that distributes heat downward. Towel Warmers are essentially an added accessory to your bathroom. There are a number of attractive and luxurious heaters that double as towel warmers. It&#8217;s like having a towel fresh out of the dryer every time you hop out of the shower!</p>
<p>A Masterful Torch is a new, innovative kind of heater for bathrooms. This compact heater can be installed sufficiently high enough to be out of reach of children and is particularly suited to positioning above mirrors or vanity units to prevent fogging and radiate heat downwards for personal warmth.</p>
<p>You can then control all heaters from the one heater by way of a master control.</p>
<p>Once you find a safe way to heat your bathroom, you will also want to check with local building codes or rules, to make sure that yours complies with any regulations regarding how bathroom heaters should be installed or work. It&#8217;s always advisable to consult a professional to get it installed, as most heaters involve either electricity, which interacts dangerously with water, or with gas or other rather hazardous chemicals that need to be properly ventilated for good safe use. Talk to an electrician or contractor to make sure your new heaters are installed safely and correctly. Be it cold nights or chilly winter mornings, you can&#8217;t beat a good bathroom heater when it comes to enhancing your bathroom experience.</p>
<p>Any heater allows for a room to hold more moisture so your mirrors won&#8217;t fog up as quickly, and heater/fan combos do a nice job removing excess moisture from your home. In the end, however, the primary reason to install a bathroom heater is personal comfort. With that in mind, think about which creature comforts sound best to you so you can make your bathroom experience as pleasant as possible.</p>
<p>You want to browse through <a href="http://www.heater-store.com/">The Heater Store</a> to have a look at the choices available.</p>
<p>Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Bathroom+Heater" rel="tag">Bathroom Heater</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Heating" rel="tag">Heating</a></p>
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		<title>Solar Water Heating Cuts Heating Bills</title>
		<link>http://writtenarticles.com/house/solar-water-heating-cuts-heating-bills/</link>
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		<pubDate>Wed, 19 Dec 2007 20:37:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><ADMINNICENAME></dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Heating]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://writtenarticles.com/house/solar-water-heating-cuts-heating-bills/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One modern day luxury that we often take for granted is the ability to have a hot bath or shower at the flick of a water faucet. If you are like me, a hot shower is a great way to relax after a busy day at work. An even better way to relieve stress is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>One modern day luxury that we often take for granted is the ability to have a hot bath or shower at the flick of a water faucet. If you are like me, a hot shower is a great way to relax after a busy day at work. An even better way to relieve stress is to spend a few hours in a hot bath that has a few drops of relaxing essential oil. Of course it was not always this easy and in many parts of the world is seen as a great luxury. It is estimated that the average home spends more money on heating water than any other energy need. In most homes this is done by using grid electricity to power a water heater. The down side to this is that grid electricity is powered by fossil fuels that are linked to causing environmental problems and are ultimately finite. What this means is that in time using this method to heat your water is bad for the planet and bad for your wallet. An alternative to this is to use a solar water heating system. This article will explain some of the important parts and how the system works.<span id="more-61"></span></p>
<p>One of the first things to consider when thinking about solar power is to make your home more energy efficient. This means using the energy created to the utmost and getting as much energy from the source as possible. In terms of creating hot water this means insulating your hot water tank so that heat is not lost to the environment. Most tanks have some form of insulation but if your system is old, the insulation might not be the best or may need replacing. You should also look at the one that you use. This may be an old resistive type heater and should be replaced by more modern heaters that can be up to 5 times more efficient at heating water. Heat water pumps are a very efficient way of heating water. These systems can either reduce or eliminate your need for grid powered water heating.</p>
<p>Many people start off with a system that integrates into the existing grid powered system because this provides the least amount of change or disruption to the home. As a person gets more comfortable with the idea of solar power they may move onto total solar powered water heating.</p>
<p>The two types of solar water heating systems are known as flat plate collectors and batch collectors. Flat plate collectors are simply a length of piping that allows liquid to pass through it. The pipes are located on a surface that comes in contact with the sun. So the roof top is often the most suitable place and also is out of the way so the system is unlikely to be damaged. The pipes in the flat plate collector are painted black on the underside to absorb heat. The side facing the sun often have a glass that helps to absorb and distribute the sunlight to the liquid. Batch collectors are a water tank that is insulated to absorb heat. Thus they will be painted black also.</p>
<p>The water that is heated by these two systems can then be plumbed into the conventional heating system. As the water is already heated the conventional system will use less electricity to heat the water. As your use of solar power evolves you will move to using solar panels to provide the electricity to power the hot water heater. At this stage you will be utilizing the full power of the sun to heat water for your home.</p>
<p>Solar power can be applied to many house and garden products. In recent years the cost of these appliances have become very affordable and saved money on energy bills. Learn more about solar powered appliances at <a href="http://www.solarpowerappliances.com">http://www.solarpowerappliances.com</a> - The site has features on solar water heating systems and various solar power related articles. Adrian Whittle writes about using solar power and appliances that can utilize renewable energy sources.</p>
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		<title>Hiring A Maid Service</title>
		<link>http://writtenarticles.com/house/hiring-a-maid-service/</link>
		<comments>http://writtenarticles.com/house/hiring-a-maid-service/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2007 18:51:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><ADMINNICENAME></dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Carpet Cleaning]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[House Cleaning]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://writtenarticles.com/house/?p=60</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Fast-paced lifestyles, hectic schedules and a lack of free time can lead one to consider hiring a maid service to handle critical house cleaning duties. But before picking up the phone to schedule an appointment, it is important to know whom you are letting into your home.
Bonding: Make sure the maid service is bonded for [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Fast-paced lifestyles, hectic schedules and a lack of free time can lead one to consider hiring a maid service to handle critical house cleaning duties. But before picking up the phone to schedule an appointment, it is important to know whom you are letting into your home.</p>
<p>Bonding: Make sure the maid service is bonded for its house cleaning clientèle. Should a theft occur, you need to be protected. Some companies, if they are bonded at all, protect only themselves, not the consumer.</p>
<p>Insurance: Make sure the house cleaning company is insured. If a maid slips and falls while cleaning the shower, your homeowner&#8217;s policy might not cover the incident. The maid service should have liability and employee accident coverage and should include your home, the housecleaner(s) and the company.<span id="more-60"></span></p>
<p>References: Make sure the maid service is reliable. How many years have they been in business? Ask for references and a work history. When calling references ask some key questions:</p>
<p>How long have you used the house cleaning service?</p>
<p>Have you ever needed to make a complaint? If so, how did the service handle resolving the issue?</p>
<p>Would you enthusiastically recommend the maid service provider?</p>
<p>Employee screening and hiring: Ask the house cleaning company if employees&#8217; references are checked, if criminal background checks are administered, and if residence status is confirmed. Also find out if the workforce is comprised of employees or subcontractors. A maid service using subcontractors does not provide staff training and may not provide liability insurance. In addition, there may not be a standard of quality and unclear procedures for complaint resolution.</p>
<p>Cleaning products: Some independent housekeepers as well as some services expect you to supply all cleaning products. If products are included by the house cleaning company, find out what type of products will be used and if they contain harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia. Be sure the products are safe for pets and kids.</p>
<p>If the maid service touts using &#8220;green&#8221; products or environmentally friendly products for house cleaning, understand what you are getting. Ask if the products are effective in cleaning and disinfecting pathogens like Staphylococcus (Staph.), Salmonella and E.coli If the maid service is &#8220;Green Certified,&#8221; find out which certifying body certified the cleaning products and their certification process.</p>
<p>Some products, although certified &#8220;green&#8221; actually use standard chemicals at a lower ratio, literally watering down a chemical until it passes standards. This can be at the expense of the performance of the product. Other environmentally safe products contain bio-based ingredients that contain natural bacteria and enzymes, which are non-pathogenetic environmental isolates that imitate the way nature naturally cleans itself. These natural substances can be used in hard surface cleaners and degreasers to create a safe, effective cleaning solution.</p>
<p>Equipment: Check out what is included with your house cleaning. Some independent housekeepers as well as some services expect you to supply all cleaning equipment. If the maid service is supplying the equipment, find out the efficiency of the vacuum and the filtration system.</p>
<p>Satisfaction: Ask if the maid service measures customer satisfaction and if so, what type of procedure is used to collect responses. Are you asked to fill out a survey online or on paper? Will a manager contact you following the house cleaning to be sure your expectations were fulfilled or exceeded? The steps a company takes to ensure a customer&#8217;s satisfaction tells a lot about how much they value their customers.</p>
<p>Quality assurance: Find out the service&#8217;s quality assurance procedures. How is the quality of service measured and verified to ensure quality of service is maintained? A maid service should have quality assurance procedures in place to be sure their house cleaning meets quality standards every clean. Ask if the maid service has managers who inspect every clean to be sure the quality of service is upheld.</p>
<p>Guarantee: Find out how the company handles complaints and make sure the service is backed by a written satisfaction guarantee. Know prior to the house cleaning the limitations of the guarantee and what steps consumers should take to execute the guarantee.</p>
<p>Taxes: Make sure you don&#8217;t break any tax laws. If you pay a housekeeper or maid a certain amount per year, the federal law requires you to pay social security and other taxes on that person. However, some states may require you to withhold state taxes on payments smaller than $1,000. Most maid service companies withhold taxes for their employees, but check to make sure. If you pay a housekeeper or maid at least $1,200 per year, the federal law requires you to pay social security and other taxes on that person. For more information about household employee taxes, call the Internal Revenue Service.</p>
<p>Daniel J. Bishop is the president and CEO of The Maids International, Inc., a premier house cleaning service in the United States and Canada. Prior to founding The Maids in 1979, Bishop served as executive officer and president of the Building Services Contractors Association. Bishop is also a director of the World Federation of Building Service Contractors and is a Certified Building Service Executive. For more information about The Maids, please visit <a href="www.maids.com">www.maids.com</a>.</p>
<p>Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/hiring+a+maid+service" rel="tag">hiring a maid service</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/house+cleaning" rel="tag"> house cleaning</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/carpet+cleaning" rel="tag"> carpet cleaning</a></p>
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		<title>10 Carpet Cleaning Tricks</title>
		<link>http://writtenarticles.com/house/10-carpet-cleaning-tricks/</link>
		<comments>http://writtenarticles.com/house/10-carpet-cleaning-tricks/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2007 18:46:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><ADMINNICENAME></dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Carpet Cleaning]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[House Cleaning]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://writtenarticles.com/house/?p=59</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Cut pile, loop pile, plush, shag, velvet, embroidery are all examples of some of the available carpeting, upholstery and tapestry choices, each with their own unique benefits. Unfortunately, they all come with a similar problem: the potential to cause a health hazard wherever they are installed because they all trap dust, dirt, moisture and odors, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Cut pile, loop pile, plush, shag, velvet, embroidery are all examples of some of the available carpeting, upholstery and tapestry choices, each with their own unique benefits. Unfortunately, they all come with a similar problem: the potential to cause a health hazard wherever they are installed because they all trap dust, dirt, moisture and odors, providing the perfect breeding ground for mites and various bacteria. This also includes potentially life threatening mold spores.</p>
<p>Routine sweeping and vacuuming definitely helps. Professional cleaning at regular intervals is essential - but only if you take heed to the recommendations below. Professional carpet cleaning, if not carried out responsibly and by a reputable firm that you have researched thoroughly, can be almost as harmful as leaving the problem unattended.<span id="more-59"></span></p>
<p>1. Admit you need to take better care of your carpets, rugs, tapestries and upholstery. Having your carpets, rugs, tapestries and upholstery professionally cleaned once every twelve to eighteen months is not a matter of choice, it&#8217;s a matter of health; it&#8217;s a matter of protecting and lengthening the life of your investment in your home and office furnishings.</p>
<p>2. Prevention is worth an ounce of cure -</p>
<p>tip #1: If you don&#8217;t already have one, buy a welcome mat for each entrance to your home or business and encourage it use. A mat will act as a receptacle for large particles and dirt and other materials that may have attached themselves to the soles of your shoes. 3. Prevention is worth and ounce of cure -</p>
<p>tip #2: Prevent the pile of your carpet from being crushed and worn before its time by putting a throw rug or small carpet in front of especially heavily trafficked areas, like in front of your favorite chair.</p>
<p>4. Commit to sweeping or vacuuming once a week. Vacuuming will remove superficial dust and dirt. Vacuum all surfaces - sofas, chairs, wall hangings, rugs, throw rugs, and of course, carpets - thoroughly using back and forth movements.</p>
<p>5. Move the furniture. Moving the furniture to vacuum will allow you to get to hard to reach spots. Adjust furniture placement - even an inch or two every time you vacuum - will allow the spots crushed by furniture legs to recover.</p>
<p>6. Treat spots immediately. It&#8217;s true. If you don&#8217;t treat a spill as soon as it happens, it&#8217;s likely to set and become a permanent, or much harder to remove, stain. Stay away from chemical treatments which may damage your carpet. Start with cold water. In most cases, a little baking soda will do the trick.</p>
<p>7. Know your carpet. Before you buy your carpet, ask these questions: Has it been treated with moth repellent? Is it soil resistant? Does it require dry cleaning? How long is the warranty and what does it cover?</p>
<p>8. Have your carpets professional cleaned at least once every twelve to eighteen months, more often for high-use areas. Don&#8217;t take our word for it, check you carpet manufacturer&#8217;s recommendation.</p>
<p>9. Know what deep cleaning method is right for your carpet. It has been proven that the most efficient way to clean, disinfect and sanitize carpets, rugs, tapestry and upholstery is the high-powered water extraction method, especially when carried out using truck mounted water extraction equipment. Truck mounted cleaning systems are self contained powerful units that are typically installed on vans. This is the only way that these machines can be transferred to any site. Truck mounts act like a portable washing machine for your carpets, cleaning with the power of steam and then extracting the water with dynamic pumps. The process is quicker than many other traditional processes and does not leave any chemical residue behind. Only clean, fresher smelling, newer looking results.</p>
<p>10. Find a professional carpet cleaning company that knows what to do and how to do it. Don&#8217;t be afraid to use your newly gained knowledge to demand that the person who cleans your carpets knows even more. Ask questions, research cleaning methods and check customer satisfaction levels. Insist on steam cleaning with the proper equipment or you may find yourself with a carpet that looks clean on the surface, but due to inefficient drying (a by-product of low quality, low-powered steam cleaning) is actually breeding mold beneath the surface.</p>
<p>Carpets, rugs, tapestries and upholstery are common elements in virtually all human environments. They add beauty, comfort, style, warmth. They effectively buffer sound, and protect underlying floor surfaces, and even protect you, to some extent, if you or a loved one happens to slip or fall. Whether you bought your carpet at the supermarket or it is a family heirloom, protect your investment and your family. Have your carpets professionally cleaned using high-powered water extraction machines (steam cleaning).</p>
<p>If you want to find out more about professional cleaning methods available today, you are welcome to visit my <a href="http://www.orange-county-carpet-cleaning.com/">Orange County Carpet Cleaning</a> site.</p>
<p>Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/carpet+cleaning+tricks" rel="tag">carpet cleaning tricks</a></p>
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		<title>Fireplace Blower</title>
		<link>http://writtenarticles.com/house/fireplace-blower/</link>
		<comments>http://writtenarticles.com/house/fireplace-blower/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 03 Dec 2007 19:30:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><ADMINNICENAME></dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Heating]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://writtenarticles.com/house/?p=58</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Having a fireplace in your home is not only beautiful to look at when you have a fire burning and logs crackling, but it is also a great source of warmth and heat as well. To help spread that warmth around the room, or rooms, you can add a fireplace blower. Here is a closer [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Having a fireplace in your home is not only beautiful to look at when you have a fire burning and logs crackling, but it is also a great source of warmth and heat as well. To help spread that warmth around the room, or rooms, you can add a fireplace blower. Here is a closer look at how a fireplace blower works and how it can help heat your home this winter.</p>
<p>How does a fireplace blower work?</p>
<p>One of the biggest concerns with having a fireplace has always been the fact that it doesn&#8217;t really heat up a room too well. Unless you have a way of blowing the heat out into the room, it will only keep a small area warm. Well, this is where a good fireplace blower will come in. It takes the heat that is generating from the fire and distributes it out into the room. The blower can do this by sitting in front of the fire in order to heat the entire room, or in a doorway to help heat more than one room. Of course, you will always want to follow the manufacturer&#8217;s instructions for placing it the right way.<span id="more-58"></span></p>
<p><strong>How does a fireplace blower really help?</strong></p>
<p>Keeping warm air from the fireplace circulating throughout the room or home is a great way to reduce heating costs and get the maximum amount of efficiency out of it. It will not have any effect on the combustion of the fire, only in distributing the heat produced.</p>
<p><strong>How do you install a fireplace blower?</strong></p>
<p>Installing a fireplace blower isn&#8217;t overly difficult as long as you have a power source handy in which to wire into. Generally speaking, blowers are installed at the same time the fireplace is built, but that doesn&#8217;t mean you can&#8217;t still have one. It may just be a little more expensive in doing so. The job can be accomplished by a do-it-yourselfer, or in most cases, having a company come out and do it for you.</p>
<p>You can find all different types and styles of fireplace blowers on the market. There are many websites that offer online catalogs to browse through as well. Prices range from very affordable to more expensive depending on the model and size. You can easily find one to fit the size of your home.</p>
<p>You can learn more about Fireplace Blowers as well as much more information on all types of fireplaces and fireplace accessories at <a href="http://www.FireplacesA-Z.com">http://www.FireplacesA-Z.com</a></p>
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