The Fascinating Evolution of Staying Warm

Ever since human beings first discovered how to start fires, keeping warm has been a priority for survival and comfort. Looking back at how heating has evolved is a fascinating journey that reveals the innovations of human beings. We no longer rely solely on woodburning fireplaces and stoves but have an array of options to heat the homes in Pierce and King counties, including some that demonstrate a commitment to protecting the environment. Roman Hypocaust The first concept of central heating was developed by the Romans. Their hypocaust expanded upon the single woodburning fireplace to heat an entire room. Flues for the hypocaust were built into the walls and floors. As the exhaust from the fireplace moved to the chimneys through the flues, the heat warmed the entire room. While a brilliant advancement in home heating, hypocausts were eventually phased out because they could only be used in homes that were built of non-combustible products due to the risk of fires. New Fuel Sources Wood continued to be the only method for generating heat in homes until the 18th century when it was replaced with coal. In the 1940s, natural gas replaced coal, and in the energy crisis of the...

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Should I Cover My Air Conditioner or Heat Pump In The Fall And Winter?

Is It a Good Idea to Cover Your Air Conditioner or Heat Pump When It’s Not in Use? Although most people in Puyallup, WA, stop using their air conditioner sometime in September, the outdoor unit that powers your air conditioner remains outside all year long. Since other outdoor items, such as patio furniture and swimming pools, get covered up in the fall and winter, it makes sense that your outdoor air conditioner unit or heat pump would need to be covered, as well. Before you spend your hard-earned money on a cover, though, we have a few things that you should know. Quality-Tested Before air conditioner units are shipped to consumers, they are put through a series of torture tests to ensure they can stand up to almost any weather condition. This means that your air conditioner or heat pump can withstand the abuse that Mother Nature throws at it. The best part is that the units are tested without covers of any kind, meaning that a cover isn’t necessary to protect your unit against rain, sleet, snow or any other kind of precipitation. Downsides of a Cover Beyond not really being necessary, a cover can cause problems that may...

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What is The Most Energy Efficient Heating and Cooling System?

Are you concerned about rising energy prices and the future of the environment? If you want to have the most energy-efficient heating and cooling system for your home, then look no further than a geothermal system. With this system, you can heat and cool your Pierce or King County home by harnessing a free and renewable energy source known as geothermal energy. What Is Geothermal Energy? If you dig just a few feet below the ground, you will find that the temperature remains between a range of 50 to 60 degrees year-round. That temperature is not affected by the weather or temperature above. A geothermal heating and cooling system is designed to harness the geothermal energy below the Earth’s surface. It uses that energy to keep your home at a constant and comfortable temperature all year long. How Does a Geothermal Heating and Cooling System Work? A geothermal heating and cooling system consists of three main components: Heat sink and tubing: A heat sink is placed 10 to 20 feet below the ground or a pond where it will absorb heat energy. This is done by drilling into the ground. The heat sink is attached to a loop of tubing...

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Why Are Some Rooms Colder Than Others?

There are a number of factors that could explain why some rooms in your home are colder than others. While these types of issues can usually be resolved, you may require professional help. Obstructions to Airflow Some rooms may be cold because there are obstructions to the flow of warm air. For example, the ductwork leading to those rooms may have built-up dirt and other debris. Air filters, if they are not replaced (they should be changed every three to six months), will also get dirty and reduce airflow. The problem could be as mundane as an article of furniture blocking an air vent. Lack of Insulation Poorly insulated rooms will naturally be colder because the warm air will more quickly escape from them. You’ll want to ensure a good amount of insulation in the attic and wall cavities. The insulation should be highly resistant to heat penetration; the higher its R-value, the more resistant it is. A Poorly Maintained Unit Packaged systems, heat pumps, furnaces, and mini-splits all wear down over time, and this can lead to uneven heating. The technicians at in Puyallup, WA, can provide yearly tune-ups that cover all the basics. Among these are duct cleaning...

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10 Ways To Stop Wasting Money On Your Heating Air Conditioning

Set your thermostat as low as comfortable in the winter and as high as comfortable in the summer. Also, clean or replace filters once a month or as needed. Ducts – Your home’s duct system carries the air from your home’s furnace and central air conditioner to each room in your house. Making sure your duct system is properly insulated can save hundreds of dollars a year to your heating and cooling bills. If you use electricity to heat your home and live in a moderate climate, consider installing an energy-efficient heat pump system. 4) Turn of lights when not in use. Lights produce heat, which makes your air conditioning system work harder. Also, avoid placing lamps of TV sets near your air-conditioning thermostat. Install a programmable thermostat. When you’re at work have the temperature turned up automatically. Vice-versa when you’re home in the evening. Check that your air conditioning condenser is located in a shady spot and has room to dispose of the heated air it removes from your home. Don’t crowd it with shrubs or anything else. Plant shade trees and shrubs around your home to help reduce the heat of the sun, especially on the south and...

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