Archive for September, 2010
Choosing The Right Pool Heater For The Job
Having your own private heated pool is definitely an enjoyable luxury in cooler weather but if you dont already have a heating system installed youve first got to decide which system is best for your pool. Usually youll be able to choose between an electric gas or solar powered heating system but there are plenty of factors to consider when deciding which is right for your pool and for you. Each of the three options has some particular advantages and disadvantages.
Electric Heat Pump Systems
Electric systems dont generate their own heat; instead they use electricity to pump heat to the pools heating unit. They work by circulating the pools water through a filtration and heating unit. The heater draws air from outside using a fan and uses a combination of refrigerants evaporation coils compressors and condensers to transfer heat to pool water. Heated water is then returned to the pool.
Electric heat pump systems are very energyefficient often more efficient than gas systems but in certain circumstances lose efficiency very quickly. Most systems operate most efficiently at outside temperatures of more than 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit but lose efficiency quickly if the temperature decreases. The system will still operate effectively but it will require more electricity to do so because the cooler outside temperature forces the system to work harder to heat water.
When choosing an electric system the size of your pool your local climate and when and how you plan to use the heater are all important factors to consider. Efficiency and cost are also important to your budget. The value to watch for is the Coefficient of Performance COP which measures the efficiency of electric systems. The higher the COP the more efficient the system; however because different manufacturers use different efficiency tests the COP wont always provide a direct comparison between different systems.
Electric systems are usually more expensive than gasfired systems. Over time however the costs of each will even up somewhat as electric systems are usually more efficient and have lower annual operating costs. Properly installed and well maintained an electric heating system will run smoothly for at least ten years.
GasFired Systems
Gasfired heating systems have long been a popular choice despite their inefficiency as compared to electric and solar systems. Newer gas models are much more efficient than their predecessors but even so they are still at a disadvantage. However the relative efficiency of each system depends greatly on your local climate and its suitability depends on your pool use habits so there are going to be cases where gas is the best option.
Gas systems are perhaps the most simple. They burn natural gas or propane and heat the pools water by drawing water through a filter into the heating unit. The water is heated via proximity to the units combustion chamber.
The beauty of a gasfired heating system is that water can be heated quicklymuch more so than electrical or solar powered systemsand it can be heated regardless of external weather conditions. A gasfired system can maintain any temperature you desire no matter what the weather. This quality coupled with the lower efficiency and higher operating cost of the gas system makes them really ideal for heating a pool which doesnt see regular use.
To check the efficiency of a gasfired system use the heater efficiency ratio. This is expressed as a percentage and refers to the amount of fuel the unit consumes versus the amount that is wasted when heating water. For example unit operating at 55 heater efficiency uses 55 of the gas it consumes in heating pool water wasting 45 in the process. On the other hand a 95 efficient system wastes only 5 of the gas it consumes.
More efficient systems are naturally more expensive but over the life of the unit itll pay for itself if you use the pool regularly. Choosing a 95 system over a 55 system will save a little over 400 a year. Given that a properly installed and maintained system will last at least five years you can potentially save more than 2000 in annual heating costs.
SolarPowered Systems
Solar heating is an extremely costeffective method of heating a swimming pool but the suitability of these systems is heavily dependent on your local climate.
Solar heating systems include four main parts: a pump a solar collector through which water is circulated a filter to remove debris from water entering the collector and a valve which can be manipulated to divert water to the solar collector.
The solar collector itself is a panel or panels installed on the homes roof. Water enters the collector and is heated then returned to the pool. Depending on the collector being used it can also heat water used in the home. In addition in hot climates the system can be used to cool water down by diverting it to the collector at night rather than during the day.
Startup costs for solar systems are competitive in comparison to gas and electric systems. The real difference in cost is in annual operating costs where solar heating definitely comes out the winner.
Another advantage is that once installed theyre relatively simple to maintain and a well installed and properly maintained solar heating system will usually operate smoothly for at least ten and up to twenty years.
Heating System Installation
Regardless of the type of system you choose its almost always best to hire a professional contractor for installation. Itll cost extra of course but heating systems must be properly installed and configured for maximum efficiency so its an expense that will more or less pay for itself in the long term.
If you choose a solar heating system this is particularly importanta professional contractor is an absolute necessity in this case as there are additional issues such as safety and local building codes to consider during planning and installation. Choose a certified or licensed contractor with experience in working with the type of system you plan to use for the best results.
Dont forget that your heating system will need annual tuneups and will probably require servicing periodically too. Again its usually best to hire a professional for this work to keep the system in tiptop condition.
About the writer: Calum and Kathleen MacKenzie are Owners of Real Living Southern Homes a leading real estate company serving the Tampa FL real estate market. Visit their website to search for Wesley Chapel Homes and New Tampa Homes.
Can Green Houses Be The Next Vogue?
When remodeling for the first time the possibilities are endless! Everything from floors cabinets and countertops; an overwhelming plethora of options awaits. Do not fret! These options are provided to ensure that your kitchen or bathroom is tailored to every precise detail. However trying to stay ecofriendly is another challenge. Today almost everyone speaks of high gasoline or global warming or green technology so why not green remodeling as well? Products used in remodeling are not always manufactured in the most environmentally savvy manner. For example companies like Caesarstone manufacture Counter tops and bathroom vanities in an ecofriendly environment and their products are considered green.
For example
Using recycled materials
Proper storage of waste materials
Vacuum industrial dust to prevent air pollution
Nonreactive products
Nonporous surface prevents the formation of mold and bacteria
Maintaining VOC volatile organic compounds standards to minimize toxic contamination
Installing regenerative thermal oxide to improve the air quality in the manufacturing plant and environment
recycling systems to save 97 of the water used in production
Complying with international standards to ensure that nontoxic products are manufactured.
In deciding the style for carefree kitchen surfacing or bathroom vanities many interior designers say that engineered countertops are the best value for both style and function. There are several advantages of using engineered counters made from particles of granite marble or other stone mixed with resin and pigments. They provide a uniform surface look are as durable as the real thing and come in a wider range of colors.
About the writer: Offers finest quality Concrete Custom Countertops Vanities Formica Countertops Dupont Countertops Granite Kitchen Countertops also built using Natural Quartz and Marble. For more details visit: http://www.caesarstoneus.com
Buying A Lawn Mower For Your Own Lawn
The lawn: for some its just a weekend chore others however think of it as a great escape. Like it or hate it it has to be maintained and that means buying the right lawn mower to get the job done. Which lawn mower you choose depends on the size and grass density of your lawn as well as your budget and the features you need.
Size and density: The size of your lawn determines the size of lawn mower as well as well as the type. Lawn mowers generally fall under two categories reel and rotary. If your lawn is 1000 square feet 100 square m or less you may want to choose a manual reel. However if your lawn is large consider getting a riding mower.
Grass density: You should consider the thickness of your lawn when buying a lawn mower. It will help you determine the blade and rotary type. If your grass is a soft bladed type not Bermuda or Saint Augustine then consider a reel mower. A plastic blade can be used for gardens where there is no risk of your mower blade being damaged by mowing a brick or large stones.
Catcher or thatcher?: If you want to catch the clippings of your lawn choose one with a rear mounting catching. If not then consider a thatcher mower. It cuts the grass into small pieces and then blows them down into the lawn for a fertile covering.
Low maintenance: Most people want to spend more time caring for their lawn than their lawn mowers so here are a couple low maintenance options for you to consider when buying a lawn mower.
Rotary types are easy to operate and sharpen. They also tend to be inexpensive. Selfpropelled mowers are when the motor turns the wheel. These are good for slopes. Frontpropelled types are easy to operate.
Go Green: Many people prefer gas mowers for their power; however they pollute and are noisy. If you want a more environmentally friendly option consider an electric mower. When buying an electric lawn mower find out if the cord length is enough for your lawn. They usually tend to be a 100 feet 30 m in length. If you opt for a cordless model be sure to check the battery length. You want to get through at least one mowing before it dies.
When buying a lawn mower also keep these considerations in mind. Can you maneuver it? This is important if you have to mow around trees or shrubs. Is it too heavy? Light lawn mowers are easy to maneuver and handle without comprising quality. How easy is it to start the mower? How easy is it to raise or lower the cutting height? Is there a switch to shut off the blade?
Buying the right lawn mower for your lawn is essential to maintaining a health lush lawn.
About the writer: Jeff Casmer is a lawn mower expert and the owner of Buying Lawn Mowers a website dedicated to lawn mowers and lawn keepers.