Posts Tagged ‘Springfield’

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Heating with Wood Safely and Efficiently in Springfield VT

Monday, November 5th, 2012

When done correctly, burning wood is one of the simplest and most efficient ways to keep your home warm. As long as new trees are being planted to replace those that are harvested for wood it is a sustainable, carbon neutral practice as well. If you’re interested in supplementing your home heating system – or even replacing it – with a wood burning system, HB Energy Solutions has some information to help you make the right decision for your home. Consider this information and follow the tips and you should have no problem heating your Springfield VT home safely and efficiently with wood.

  • Choose the right stove for your home. A fireplace is great for heating a single room, but they are not really designed to keep your whole house warm. A good wood burning stove can handle the task of heating your home efficiently and effectively. Be sure that your stove meets EPA guidelines and that it is properly sized for your home.
  • Don’t expect to just walk outside, find some wood and be set for the winter. You must season your wood for at least six months, keeping it off of the ground and protected from the elements while it dries. Green wood will not burn efficiently and smokes a lot more than well-dried wood.
  • Chop your wood as evenly as possible. Keeping your wood supply uniform allows for more even burning. Be sure to split your wood down to a fairly small size as well. This too helps wood burn more evenly and efficiently. It also speeds up the drying process.
  • Start your stove off hot. Get a mound of coals going and add a few logs all at once. This will help your stove burn wood as completely and cleanly as possible.
  • Keep an eye on your chimney. If you are generating a lot of smoke that means that the combustion is not complete enough and that you are creating a lot of pollutants. This can lead to chimney fires.
  • Do not burn trash in your wood burning stove. This creates more pollution. Also avoid questionable, moldy wood.

We hope that this information is helpful and that you enjoy your wood burning season. If you have any questions about the operation or maintenance of your wood burning stove be sure to call HB Energy Solutions. We’ll help you get the most out of the wood burning stove in your Springfield VT home.

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Springfield VT Heating Guide: Heating Water with Solar Energy

Monday, October 8th, 2012

We have put together a list of considerations that you may want to think about as you begin to consider installing a solar water heater in your Springfield VT home.

Solar Water Heaters: The Basics

A solar water heater involves several basic parts: a panel of solar cells to collect heat, a tank of water and a series of coils that transfer the energy from the solar panel to the water. The coils carry a heat transfer liquid, similar to Freon, through the solar panel (solar collector) where it absorbs heat energy from the sun. A pump moves the fluid out of the collector into a series of coils that are inside a water tank. The coils release the heat into the cooler water. The newly heated water rises to the top of the tank where it is pumped into the house.

The Benefits of Solar Water Heaters

One of the obvious benefits of installing a solar water heater is that it can save you money on your utility bills. By using the sun to heat your water instead of paying for the gas or electricity to heat it, you can lower your utility bills. Many people recoup the initial cost of purchase and installation within 10 years. Another benefit of solar water heating is that you can still get hot water if the power goes out (assuming you have an electric water heater). This kind of energy independence is a motivating factor for some families. Lastly, you are no longer vulnerable to energy price fluctuations. No matter the cost of gas or electricity, the price for heating your water will remain steady.

Disadvantages of Solar Water Heaters

Unless you decide to go the do-it-yourself route, the initial investment in a solar hot water heater can be fairly costly. But for a system as important as your hot water, it is worth it to have a professional install the system for you to make sure that everything operates as it should and that you are getting the most cost savings possible. Also, because solar systems need sunlight to work, homes in colder or overcast climates may not experience as much efficiency as they would like. In snowy environments, the solar panels can end up covered in snow. Finally, some solar heaters take longer to heat up the water because they begin to operate when the faucet is turned on.

If you’re interested in learning more about solar water heaters and if they are a good fit for your home in Springfield VT, then call the solar professionals at HB Energy Solutions.

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Springfield VT Heating Fuel Guide: Types of Heating Fuels

Monday, October 1st, 2012

HB Energy customers can choose from several different types of heating fuels for delivery. There are also a few different delivery options and payment plans. This makes it easier than ever to get the right heating fuel for your home at a price that fits your budget and with a delivery that’s conveniently timed to accommodate your schedule.

Fuel Delivery Options

The fuels available from HB Energy include Biofuel and #2 home heating oil. These can be delivered either at your discretion or automatically, whichever works better for you. Opting for automatic delivery means that the company monitors your heating fuel usage and delivers once you reach a certain pre-set minimum level. This service is convenient because it means you don’t have to worry about how much fuel you have left, and you can be sure you’ll never run out.

If you’d rather have control over how much heating fuel is delivered to your home and when, you can choose the will call program. This requires you monitor your own heating fuel levels and then call when you need a delivery.

Locking in the Best Price

In addition to these delivery options, there are also a few different ways you can manage the cost of your heating fuel through one of the available price protection plans. If you choose the pre-buy plan, for instance, you pay for all of the fuel you expect to use in the coming year in one lump sum. That means you won’t have to worry about increases in the price of heating fuel throughout the year, as all your fuel has already been paid for.

Another option is a capped price plan in which you agree to pay as you go, but no more than a certain agreed-upon price per gallon. If market fluctuations drive the price of heating fuel down, you’ll pay the reduced rate, but you’ll never pay more than the rate you agreed to pay at the beginning.

If you’d rather pay the same amount every month rather than paying as you go or purchasing all of your fuel up front, you can opt for a budget plan. The per gallon prices under this type of plan are typically a bit higher than under the pre-buy plan, but the help you spread out the cost of your heating fuel throughout the year and make it easier to know exactly what the cost will be each month.

For more information about buying heating fuel in Springfield VT, give HB Energy Solutions a call today!

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

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

Thursday, 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

Monday, 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

Monday, 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?

Monday, 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

Monday, 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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