Living in Vermont means that you are going to have to put up with a long, intense winter season. It is no surprise, then, that Vermonters take their home heating systems very seriously. One of the most popular residential heating options available is the boiler. Boilers have been with us a for a very long time, but this does not mean that they are in any way outdated or obsolete. In fact, boilers are still going strong, and are now more efficient and more reliable than ever before. Even so, boilers are not for everyone. If you think that a boiler in Bellows Falls, VT is right for you, give us a call. HB Energy Solutions excels in boiler installations and services. (more…)
Posts Tagged ‘Bellows Falls’
Is a Boiler Right for Me?
Monday, September 21st, 2015When to Schedule Heating Repairs
Monday, September 14th, 2015While many of us await the crisp weather and beautiful foliage that comes with the autumn season, the fact of the matter is that this weather can quite quickly degrade into frigid temperatures, snowstorms, and all of the other trappings of winter that we are so familiar with in this part of the country. With the onset of winter looming in the not-too-distant future, we recommend that you take a few moments to re-familiarize yourself with some of the warning signs that your heating system is struggling. In the months to come, you are going to be relying upon your home heating system very much, each and every day.
Spotting the need for heating repairs in Bellows Falls, VT, before any issues can become to serious is a great way to protect your comfort and the condition of your system. Call HB Energy Solutions at the first sign of trouble. (more…)
What Benefits Do Ductless Air Conditioners Offer?
Monday, July 13th, 2015Investing in a new air conditioning system is a great way in which to ensure that you are able to live comfortably in your home throughout the hottest time of the year. Of course, there are a lot of different air conditioning systems available for purchase these days. Choosing the right air conditioner for your needs and personal user preferences is every bit as important as purchasing a quality system from a reputable manufacturer. One option that we urge you to consider is the ductless air conditioner. Ductless air conditioning in Bellows Falls has really caught on as of late, and for good reason. Just remember to schedule your ductless AC services with the pros here at HB Energy Solutions. (more…)
Why Consider a Solar Heating System in Bellows Falls?
Monday, November 12th, 2012Increasing energy costs have become a major concern in the past few years. As the price of keeping your home comfortable continues to increase many Bellows Falls, VT homeowners are looking for ways to reduce the amount of energy that they use. One of the most obvious ways to do so is to make sure that you are not wasting energy. Proper insulation, high-efficiency heating systems and sealing up air leaks are among the most common measures taken to reduce the amount of energy wasted in homes. The truth is, though, that most people waste a lot of energy every day. We’re not talking about leaving the windows open while heating your house, either. Each day that you let the sun’s energy go unused in your home you are wasting the potential of this sustainable, environmentally friendly energy source. If you live in a cold climate but your Bellows Falls, VT home gets a lot of sun exposure you may want to consider the installation of a solar heating system by HB Energy Solutions. Consider this information about how these systems work and the benefits they present to your home.
With an active solar heating system a liquid or air is heated by solar energy and is either transferred directly to your living space or to a storage system. If you are planning to use a radiant heating system or a boiler then a liquid system is probably your best option, as they lend themselves better to storage. They store the collected solar heat in tanks of water, and the heat from the working liquid passes through a heat exchanger into the distribution liquid.
There are a few different ways to distribute heat with a solar liquid system. Radiant heating is a popular method, though central forced-air systems may also be used. In a forced air system a heating coil is used. Air coming from your living space is heated, and additional heat may be supplied by your furnace. It is important to have a professional help with the sizing of the system and components to ensure that sufficient heat will be created.
The benefits of solar heating in your home are many. While the collectors and installation certainly make solar heating an investment you can greatly reduce the heating costs in your Bellows Falls, VT home, saving money over time. It is a sustainable energy source and is very environmentally friendly. If you are interested in cutting down on the amount of energy used to heat your home while also reducing your environmental impact, consider the installation of a solar heating system from HB Energy Solutions.
Claremont, NH Plumbing Question: When Should You Call a Plumber Immediately?
Monday, October 29th, 2012No matter how large or small your house is, you cannot underestimate the need for knowing a Claremont plumber to check regularly on the kitchen or toilet pipes or even your entire plumbing system. This can help keep many types of problems from developing.
But no matter what you do, there will still be times when you need to call for emergency repairs. Professional plumbers should be called immediately if you are experiencing plumbing emergencies such as the following:
Plumbing Emergency #1
If your tap starts to flow uncontrollably, the first thing you must do is to shut off the main valve. You can find these valves usually under toilets, sinks or behind water heaters and clothes washers. Once that’s done, call a professional to come and take a look.
Plumbing Emergency #2
For any appliance related fixture or pipe leaks, locate the main valve immediately and shut it off before you call the plumber. If possible, temporarily stop the leak before calling a professional plumber.
Plumbing Emergency #3
If you find there is a leakage in your dishwasher or washing machine, make sure the drainage trap is fully open. Overflow in the appliance could be a result of a partially clogged drain. If that’s not the source of the problem, though, professional help is needed.
Plumbing Emergency #4
Another plumbing emergency that could require you to call the plumber immediately is faucet malfunction. If the faucet does not shut off, find the shutoff valve under the sink and turn it off before calling the plumber to fix the faucet. Never try to repair cartridge faucets on your own. These expensive faucets are advanced and require professionals to do the job.
Plumbing Emergency #5
If there is a problem with the hot water faucet, leave it running, turn off the gas or electricity supplies to the heater and wait till the water cools before touching it. Call a professional plumber to repair the hot water heater thermostat or the faucet, whichever is malfunctioning.
Whatever your plumbing problem in Claremont, NH, HB Energy Solutions is here to help. Call us today!
Bellows Falls VT Electrical Guide: How Surge Protection Protects Your Home
Monday, September 24th, 2012Your Bellows Falls VT home is filled with devices attached to and drawing power from the electrical system. You probably have components in place to protect certain devices, such as your computer and television from power surges, but what about the rest of your home? Power surges can occur at any time and they can have a direct, negative impact on your major appliances and even the wiring in your house.
Why Surge Protection Is Necessary
A power surge occurs when a larger than normal volume of electricity courses through the wires within a circuit. Normally, your home is protected against such surges. Fuses are designed to blow out if the current gets too strong and circuits breakers are designed to trip. But in certain circumstances, surges can occur anyways.
They can occur during electrical storms with a lot of lightning flashes. They can occur when there are interruptions to the power entering your home, especially if it goes on and off frequently. They can even happen simply because of a hiccup in a transformer supplying your home with power.
Protecting Your Home and Appliances
The wiring in your home is not designed to handle sudden surges of electricity, especially not if they happen often. It can damage and fray the wiring and eventually lead to power loss or even an increased risk of fire. Your appliances will be damaged even quicker as the sensitive circuitry and electronic component inside can be broken by a sudden surge of excess electricity.
For all these reasons, it is recommended that you have a whole house surge protector for your Bellows Falls VT home. These devices stop these large surges of electricity from entering your wiring, stopping them at the circuit breaker and preventing shorts in things like your air conditioner or heating system. Contact HB Energy Solutions today to learn more about what these devices can do.
Springfield VT Solar Guide: How Solar Power Works
Monday, September 10th, 2012A 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!
Bellows Falls Tip: Benefits of Having your Heating System Inspected Before Winter
Monday, August 20th, 2012Heating 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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