Acworth NH Heating Quesiton: What is a forced air heating?

September 17th, 2012

There are many types of heating systems in Acworth NH, but one of the most common you will hear about is forced air heating. You likely already have a forced air heating system in your home, but what exactly does this mean and what impact will it have on your selection of a new heating system in the future?

To start, a forced air heating system is unique in that it does not directly heat your home. Instead, the heating system itself – either a heat pump or a furnace – produces heat which is then applied to an air supply and distributed throughout your home via air ducts by an air handler.

So, let’s say you have a gas furnace. When your thermostat turns on because it gets below a certain temperature inside your home, the gas furnace receives a signal to start burning fuel. The pilot light ignites and gas starts burning. As the fuel burns, the furnace blows air through a heat exchanger. That air is then heated to a certain temperature (depending on your furnace) and transferred to the air handler, which uses another fan to blow the air through ductwork to the individual rooms in your home.

So, the air is forced through ductwork and then through vents to heat your home – hence a forced air heating system. The same type of system operates when you have a heat pump, although the heat being applied to the air flow is not from the combustion of fuel but from the process of compressing and expanding the refrigerant gas inside the heat pump, effectively transferring heat energy from outdoor air.

Over the years, forced air heating has become one of the most efficient ways to heat a home, though radiant heating is a close second. If you are installing a new heating system in your Acworth NH home for the first time, consider the benefits of a forced air system and what they could mean for your heating bills.  For more information about installing a new heating equipment, including furnaces, boilers, and wood stoves, call HB Energy Solutions!

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Springfield VT Solar Guide: How Solar Power Works

September 10th, 2012

A solar power system offers the cleanest form of energy for your Springfield VT home. Solar energy is completely renewable, and you can always rely on the sun as a consistent power source. Before deciding to install a solar power system in your home, however, it is a good idea to learn how solar power works.

Solar Cell

A solar cell is the main component of a solar power system. It takes the energy of sunlight and converts it into electricity. Solar cells are made of special materials known as semiconductors. Silicon is the most commonly used material for making these semiconductors.

When light hits the cell, some part of it is absorbed within its semiconductor material. Silicon has some special chemical properties. There are 14 electrons in an atom of silicon, which are arranged in three different shells. The silicon atom always looks for ways to fill up its last shell, so it shares electrons with four nearby atoms. This structure of silicon makes it ideal for making solar cells.

When sunlight gets absorbed, one of the electrons in the bonds between silicon atoms increases its energy level and moves around more freely. That electron moves around the crystal, generating current. The current can be drawn out for external use by introducing metal links on the top and bottom of the cell. The solar cell generates only a small amount of energy. In order to get more energy, many solar cells should be interconnected to make a panel.

Thin Film Solar Panels

Traditional crystalline silicon systems are bulky and installing them requires a lot of work. Thin film crystalline silicon is the latest in solar technology. In this system, a solar cell is made by placing several thin photovoltaic films on a substrate. It has a lower photovoltaic efficiency than traditional system. However, it is expected that its efficiency will be increased in the near future. Thin film solar power system works in a way similar to that of traditional crystalline silicon modules.

Solar power system can be installed in any Springfield VT home, no matter whether it is small or big to meet any electrical requirement. Though the initial cost of installation is high, the solar power system offers better returns. It helps you enjoy long term savings by reducing or cutting the need to pay utility bills. For more information, contact HB Energy today!

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Weston VT Plumber’s Guide: Locate Your Septic Tank Electronically

September 4th, 2012

If a problem develops with your Weston, VT home’s septic tank, you want to be able to find it as quickly as possible to check and/or repair the problem. However, it’s not always easy to know where the septic tank is. Unless it is clearly marked, and only if you have seen where it was located before and didn’t just move in recently, a septic tank can be hard to find, especially if service hasn’t been performed on it in some time. Thankfully, if this is the case, there are tools that allow you to find your tank electronically.

First, know that your septic tank is usually about 4.5 feet by 8 feet in the ground and can be buried anywhere between four inches and four feet deep. You can also call your local utilities markers to get a map of where your gas lines and electrical cables are located – something that can be done for free by dialing 811.

Now, there are quite a few tools that work well to find your septic tank without electronics, but if you want to get it done much faster and ensure you are accurate, you hire a plumber who can use a locator and a remote flushable transmitter. The idea is very simple: Drop the transmitter down the toilet, flush it and wait a few minutes for it to appear in the septic tank and then flip on your locator and track it. This is a very accurate method and the transmitter will remain in your septic tank for quite a long time, meaning you can find it whenever necessary until the problem you are having is solved.

If you need someone to handle a repair issue with your septic tank, you should call HB Energy Solutions. We can find your septic tank and perform any necessary repairs very quickly.

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Interested in Solar Energy in Springfield, VT and Claremont, NH Areas?

August 30th, 2012

Most people are familiar with the renewable energy available through solar panels. Did you know that there are also solar hot water heater systems, solar water heaters and solar heating systems available for your home?

Solar powered systems can save money on an annual basis and require minimal maintenance. Call HB Energy Solutions today to schedule an energy audit and to find out how you can utilize the renewable energy of solar power into your home. HB Energy Solutions provides top quality heating, plumbing, AC, electrical and solar energy services in Vermont and New Hampshire. If you are in the Springfield, VT or Claremont, NH areas and are interested in solar energy or any of our other services contact our offices for expert service.

Solar Hot Water | Springfield | HB Energy Solutions

Solar Hot Water | Springfield | HB Energy Solutions

 

 

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Springfield VT Plumbing Guide: Maintaining Proper Septic Tank Function

August 27th, 2012

Your septic system is an essential part of your Springfield home’s plumbing, so its important to keep it working as smoothly as possible. Here are some maintenance tips on how to keep your septic system working effectively.

The septic tank is the portion of the septic system where waste water from a building flows.  In the tank, solids sink to the bottom and are separated from wastewater.  The solids are stored and then partially decompose while treated wastewater is sent out to be drained in the drain field.  Without proper septic tank function your entire septic system can back up, causing lots of stinky and expensive peripheral damage.

One part of septic tank maintenance is having your septic tanks pumped on a regular schedule.  The amount of time between septic tank cleanings is wholly dependent on the septic tank capacity and the household size.  But it is always a good idea to have your septic tank looked at every year to determine when a tank pumping should occur.

Septic tank pumping not only cleans out the tank and keeps your septic system working smoothly, but it assists in the overall care of the system, extending the life of the septic field.  During your first septic tank cleanout the technician can more easily measure an approximation of when it will need to be cleaned again.

Septic tank maintenance also includes maintaining the drainfield with adequate vegetation, keeping surface water away from the tank, and keeping anything heavy such as automobiles, heavy machinery, buildings or pools off the septic system.

Additional maintenance includes the types of things that are put into the drains of a building which will end up in the septic tank.  This includes watching how much water is put down the drains, never adding chemicals, paper towels or other not biodegradable items down the drain, restricting the use of the garbage disposal, and keeping cooking oils out of the pipes.

With proper maintenance,  you can ensure that your septic system works well for many years.  Let the septic specialists at HB Energy help you with your annual septic system maintenance and pumping in Springfield.  Contact HB Energy today!

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Bellows Falls Tip: Benefits of Having your Heating System Inspected Before Winter

August 20th, 2012

Heating systems should always be inspected prior to the colder months.  By doing this you will ensure that you participate in the benefits of having your heating system inspected before winter hits hard.  The Bellows Falls heating specialists at HB Energy Solutions understand the importance of proper heating system maintenance, and we’re available to perform yours before the weather gets cold.

A heating  inspection will ensure that everything is working properly, from the actual heating unit to the thermostat and air handler.  Furnaces that use a chimney for combustion exhaust will need to have a flue inspection, the heat exchanger checked for carbon monoxide leaks, and all blowers, fans, and filters will also be checked.  By having your heating system inspected before winter arrives, you will help prevent future breakdowns and increase energy-efficiency with a professional efficiency test.

Prevent Breakdowns or Repairs

By having heating maintenance performed before the temperature drops, you will be preventing future breakdowns from occurring in the middle of winter. Because the heating system has not been used in several months, it needs a tune-up to ensure that any issues which have developed are fixed before the heat is turned back on for the first time.  This means that once any issues are found and resolved, your heating system is less likely to break down at those inopportune times.

Increased Energy-Efficiency

A properly serviced heating system will involve several tasks. All parts are inspected, lubricated and cleaned, and any worn or broken components will be replaced, and the filter will be changed.  This means you will save money in utility costs because maintenance tune-ups can help with airflow and ensure that you get the most efficient heating throughout the winter.

Improved Indoor Air Quality

When a central heating system tune-up is performed, it ensures that your air filters have been replaced and are the proper size and type. This can also help improve indoor air quality, especially in colder months when there’s no natural ventilation with open windows and doors.  A heating system with a clean air filtration system will mean healthier air to breathe all winter long.

The heating technicians at HB Energy Solutions stand ready to assist with your heating system maintenance in Bellows Falls, VT, and we’ll help you attain all of the benefits of having your heating system inspected before winter hits.  Contact HB Energy Solutions today!

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Springfield, VT Air Conditioning Question: How Does Central AC Work?

August 13th, 2012

Air conditioning systems are designed with one main purpose in mind: cooling indoor air so that our homes remain comfortable even when the weather outside is much too hot.

Central air conditioning systems work by cooling air within the air conditioner itself, and then sending that air conditioned air through a series of supply ducts to rooms throughout a building.  The air then circulates within that room and over time it heats up and returns through return ducts back to the air conditioner where it is once again cooled.  The cycle repeats as long as the central AC system is running.

The air cooling process within the air conditioner happens through a complex process involving different internal mechanical parts of the air conditioner.  The compressor is a device which compresses refrigerant, increasing its temperature and pressure thus turning it into a vapor.  The vapor flows into the condenser where the excess heat is transferred outside.  As this happens the refrigerant is turned back into a liquid state.  As air passes over the coils the air is cooled and dehumidified.  During dehumidification, excess moisture is removed from the air and turned into a liquid which is then drained.

Central air conditioning systems can utilize the same duct system as heating systems, and both can be controlled through one main thermostat.  At the thermostat you can set temperatures for varying days and times.  Central AC systems are more energy efficient than they used to be, and they continue to improve every year.

HB Energy Solutions offers central air conditioning installation, maintenance, and repair, so call us if you need AC service in Springfield, VT and the surrounding area!

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Springfield Air Conditioning Guide: Things to Check When Your AC Won’t Turn On

August 6th, 2012

When the temperature outside is high you need an AC that will provide the comfort you want with reliability. If your Springfield, VT home’s air conditioner won’t turn on, don’t sweat it. There are many possible causes for this, and most can be repaired quickly, easily and cheaply by a professional. The technicians here at HB Energy Solutions have put together a list of likely culprits as to why your AC won’t start up.

  • Start with the basics: Is your air conditioner on? It sounds silly, but if you’re not familiar with a new machine or thermostat it’s a good place to start. Make sure the thermostat is switched to “cool” and that the temperature is set lower than that of the room.
  • Electrical problems: Your home cooling system’s power supply is not as simple as plugging it into a wall outlet and flipping a switch. There are a lot of electrical components to check. Blown fuses or tripped breakers, outdoor service switches, and switches in the system by the air handler may be the cause of your AC’s power problem.
  • Wiring damage: Having your AC’s compressor unit outside allows you to enjoy a quiet cooling system, but it also puts some wiring in an occasionally rough environment. In addition to indoor wiring, make sure that all outdoor wires and cable are attached and undamaged.
  • Condensate overflow: This is another simple solution to what seems like a big problem. Many air conditioners will have a condensate overflow pan in addition to a drainage system. If this pan is nearing capacity, it can flip an automatic shut-off switch to your system. Getting your AC running may be as simple as dumping a tray of water.
  • Refrigerant problems: A slightly more serious problem, but still easily resolved with the help of a professional, are refrigerant leaks. If your system’s refrigerant is low it may cause your system to ice up and cease performing. A professional technician will check your refrigerant charge and, if necessary, recharge it. This may have your AC back in action in no time.

We hope this information has been useful and put your mind at rest. An AC that won’t turn on is not always a broken AC. Call a Springfield air conditioning professional HB Energy Solutions to help you figure out how to get yours up and running again.

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Check Out Our Blog for the Latest in HVAC Technology

July 17th, 2012

Be sure to bookmark the HB Energy Solutions blog for updates on the latest advances in Plumbing, HVAC, Solar and Electrical technology.

We’ll feature money saving promotions here as well.

Call HB Energy Solutions for all your Fuels, Heating, Plumbing, Air Conditioning, Electrical, Solar & Renewable Energy, Septic Services needs.

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