On the subject of solar heat, home heating systems that utilize this resource can come in many forms, but are generally grouped into two major categories; active and passive solar heat. Home owners who wish to convert their homes for using this constantly renewable resource of energy and those who wish to build a new home are recently becoming more interested in using the power of the sun due to the fact that this technology has taken great leaps in efficiency since its initial spurt of popularity back in the early-mid seventies. What are some of the ways in which we can apply this technology to our homes? Let’s go over these categories and learn a bit about the techniques used…

Fist off, let’s look at passive solar heating for homes, and how it’s generally done. While it used to be a good idea to have most windows facing the path of the sun in order to passively heat the home to some degree, now, with even more advanced window production (double and triple paned types, vacuum and/or special gas impregnated, etc.), this passive solar heating arrangement is quite super-charged. I’m generally speaking about nothing very special here - most “replacement windows” companies (if not all these days) construct their windows in such a fashion, for purposes of insulation and reaping the benefits of the sun. Just about any set of windows of this type is efficient enough to build a “passive solar house” using this technique.

This is actually so efficient now, that it’s best for your electricity bill to keep the curtains closed in the hotter parts of the summertime… you see, sunlight can light up a room enough even with the curtains closed, depending on the type of curtains - but if they’re wide open, you’ll definitely need to use your air-conditioner. The efficiency of windows these days makes them, in a very practical sense, heat lenses, and quite literally so. With the curtains closed (and perhaps the windows open a bit for circulation), even if you need a little extra artificial lighting, the rooms will stay cool enough to not need air-conditioning, which would cost more to use than an artificial light. Keep this well in mind for good energy conservation efficiency. A window opened up and a window shade pulled down to meet the opening should be enough shielding and circulation while letting in the light.

For active solar heating, homes using solar panels are much more efficient than they were decades ago. A solar home roof equipped with photovoltaic cells is not nearly as expensive as they used to be in days long past. It used to be that a few 2x5 foot panels installed on a roof would cost upwards of $12,000 or so, which would power most appliances, or perhaps all, in a small home. These days, many are building their own from cheaply procured components, a single of the above-mentioned panels costing less that one or two hundred dollars for the parts to build it with, and each of these panels, depending on the builder’s skill, can power an air-conditioner, home PC, and entertainment center all on just one.

If you’re interested in learning more about a solar heat home and other things related to alternative energy, then you’ve got to check out the EcoPlusHome project.

Bryan Kenny and his family are an average North American family with one exception…they’re living in the EcoPlusHome.

The EcoPlusHome is a prefabricated home powered by alternative energies like solar thermal, geothermal and photovoltaic. Bryan and his family will show the world that it is possible to live self sustained for a 12 month period by showcasing their journey living in the EcoPlusHome on their blog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bryan_Kenny

This article is a follow-up to our February 2002 edition for Ontario residents, which discussed the dangers of leaking fuel oil tanks, how to avoid problems and how to handle spills and leaks.

Unprotected and neglected storage tanks can potentially ruin a life-long investment. More than one million Canadian homes are heated with oil and over the past few years, there have been a startling number of tank failures - and the trend will grow as traditional steel storage tanks continue to corrode.

Due to condensation, water and sludge accumulating at the bottom, the majority of steel fuel oil tanks rust from the inside out. This damage is not immediately apparent and often presents itself as a catastrophic tank failure. Leaks can also be due to improper maintenance, damp locations and physical damage. Fuel oil leaks have raised insurance claims by 50% over the past few years, with clean-ups often costing more than the property was worth.

New Regulations

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) in Ontario has instituted new regulations for heating oil storage tanks to counter oil spills. The rules would require that only licensed installers install and regularly inspection tanks. Tanks would have to be tagged and registered and oil deliveries be made only to tanks that have the registration tag. Therefore, the responsibility for tank maintenance has been divided among the owner, the installer and the oil company.

Insurance Rebates

Insurance companies and governments have recognized that without immediate attention to the problem, leak incidences from residential fuel oil tanks will increase and costs for clean-up will skyrocket. Several insurance companies are now offering refunds to their clients to encourage them to replace their furnace and storage tank systems. Manufacturers are also offering rebates to customers for furnace and tank replacements.

Better Fuel Oil Tanks

Manufacturers of storage tanks have improved their products and warranties. Several new tank products have been marketed during the last few years. Steel tanks have gone to a heavier gauge to mitigate the effect of corrosion and perhaps increase their lifespan. New technologies for non-metallic tanks have emerged so that internal corrosion ceases to be an issue. Glass fiber tanks, in single wall and double wall versions, and the polyethylene tank, secondarily contained in a galvanized steel container, are two examples of new designs which are both proven, tested and ULC listed for the storage of fuel oil.

FICTION: An oil spill won’t cost any more than the deductible amount of a homeowner’s insurance.

FACT: Some insurance policies specifically exclude pollution coverage for leaks or spills from residential heating oil tanks. Homeowners should contact their insurance broker, and review their policy to confirm whether they have pollution coverage, and whether there are any limitations to their coverage.

FICTION: If an oil tank has handles, it’s less than 20 years old.

FACT: The presence or absence of handles is not an accurate indication of age. Only the serial number on the tank ID plate, or a valid date stamp would provide a reliable indication of age.

FICTION: The government says now, that oil tanks have to be changed every 12 years.

FACT: An existing above ground fuel-oil tank is considered approved provided the tank was installed in accordance with the code at the time of installation. As long as the tank is not leaking, there is no age at which the government demands the tank must be replaced.

FICTION: All underground tanks have to be removed immediately.

FACT: New regulations require that all underground tanks to be registered with the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) by May 1, 2002 or fuel oil will not be delivered to the tank. Underground tanks that are 25 years and older, or of an unknown age, and not specially protected from corrosion are required to be removed by October 1, 2006.

FICTION: If a tank has been inspected, there won’t be any trouble getting insurance.

FACT: Insurance companies often reject new applications for coverage of homes with tanks over “X” years of age. Twenty years of age seems to be the most common denominator. Many insurance companies will not provide coverage for underground tanks under any circumstances

FICTION: Oil heating is smelly and expensive.

FACT: Oil furnaces, hot water tanks and storage tanks need not exhibit any odors when properly installed and maintained. Oil heating is a cost-effective alternative to natural gas.

A FEW MORE FACTS FOR ONTARIO RESIDENTS:

Homeowners are required to annually maintain their fuel oil appliances (boilers, furnaces, water heaters, etc.) by having a TSSA certified Oil Burner Technician service and clean the appliance.

Homeowners are required to have their fuel oil appliance installations safety inspected by their fuel oil supplier.

Fuel oil suppliers that find unsafe equipment are required to stop the delivery of fuel oil until the equipment is fixed.

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is an independent, not-for-profit organization responsible for the delivery of a range of safety services. This includes the administration of Ontario’s Technical Standards & Safety Act, 2000 within various industry sectors and the delivery of safety programs to the public.

WHO TO CONTACT:

* For more information on residential fuel oil tanks and Ontario laws governing them, contact:

Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA)

Fuels Safety Division

3300 Bloor St. W.

4th Floor, West Tower

Toronto, ON M8X 2X4

(416) 325-1615

http://www.tssa.org

* To report spills or to obtain more information on spill cleanup procedures, contact:

Ministry of the Environment

Spills Action Centre (SAC)

1-800-268-6060 (24-hours)

or (416) 325-3500

http://www.ene.gov.on.ca

* In other provinces, check the government listings in the local telephone directory to locate the appropriate department.

* Licensed professional cleanup services, fuel suppliers and heating contractors can also provide assistance in most locations.

ON THE WEB:

* Visit http://www.esemag.com to learn more about environmental science and engineering. View photos of modern oil containment systems.

* Visit http://www.tssa.org to learn more about Ontario government regulations applicable to oil storage tanks.

* Visit [http://www.sbag.web.com] to learn more about a different kind of secondary containment retrofit.

* For information on other environmental topics visit the Ministry of the Environment web site at:http://www.ene.gov.on.ca

NOTE: Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure accuracy, however rules and regulations will vary in different locales and may change from time to time, often without notice. This information is for reference only and use of, or reliance upon this information is at the discretion of the reader. Consult with your applicable local authority regarding fuels and fuels safety.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gil_Strachan

Keeping your family warm during the cold winter months is easy when your HVAC system is working properly. In order to make sure your HVAC system is working correctly, you need to perform an inspection of the unit. The average homeowner should be able to perform routine maintenance to their furnace, but a professional HVAC service technician will need to perform a tune up and inspection. Keeping up with routine maintenance and having a professional inspect your HVAC unit will ensure your system is running as efficiently as possible, saving you money and keeping your family safe and warm.

Before the winter sets in and you turn on the heat for the first time, maintenance and inspections should be done. Depending on your type of HVAC system, whether it be heat pump, oil or natural gas, there are specific things you should look for, beginning with the fuel source.

Check for leaks in the pipes. If you have an oil HVAC unit, look for any signs of leaking oil. Obviously, with a gas unit, this will be a little more difficult. An easy way to check for a gas leak is to use a dish soap solution and check for bubbles. Or you can purchase a gas detector from your local hardware store. An HVAC service technician will have a gas detector and will check when they come to inspect your furnace. If you have an electrical unit, check the wiring to make sure it is in tact and not frayed in any way, and be sure the connections are not corroded.

Next, check the ventilation system. Proper ventilation is extremely important. Without it, dangerous carbon monoxide can get into your home. An improperly vented HVAC system can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can cause death. Make sure the vent pipes and the vent to the chimney connection are not cracked or broken in any way. And it is always a good idea to have a carbon monoxide detector in the vicinity of your ventilation system to monitor leakage throughout the winter.

After your visual inspection of the HVAC system, you can check the air filter. Make sure you’re starting the winter season with a fresh furnace filter and remember to change it every 30-60 days to keep air flowing efficiently throughout the system. Take this opportunity to clean out or shop-vac any dust and dirt from the unit. Be sure to thoroughly clean the blower unit and motor. A professional HVAC service technician will make sure the unit is free from dirt, dust and grime when they come to perform the seasonal inspection.

It is a good idea to have your HVAC inspection done in the fall. That way, when you turn on and test the unit, the HVAC service technician will be able to tell if the unit is in good shape. You certainly won’t want to be stuck in the middle of a cold winter with an inoperable heating system. Remedying any potential problems before the winter begins will ensure your warmth throughout the season.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Abernathy