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 Are the Different Types of Furnaces?

Over our 70 years in business serving homes and businesses in the Puget Sound region, our customers have come to trust us with all things related to their HVAC systems. We are often asked the key differences between the types furnaces that are most often found in households. The following will outline the three types of furnaces and key features of each. Central Warm-Air Furnaces Central warm-air furnaces have a fan that blows and circulates the warmed air throughout the ducts that lead to the rooms in your home. These furnaces can be further classified into three types, based on the type of fuel they use: natural gas, oil and electric. Most furnaces in North America are powered by natural gas, though many homes have oil and electric furnaces. Natural Gas Furnaces Natural gas furnaces are powered by fossil fuels that flow to your home through a municipal line. Combustion takes place in the furnace to convert gas to heat. Next, heat exchangers and blowers complete the process by warming air inside the furnace before the furnace fan circulates the warm air into your home. Oil Furnaces Some households do not readily have access to natural gas. Homes in these...

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