Some relief has been forecast from a winter that carried extreme cold into the region, damaging water lines, increasing heating costs and pushing the mercury below zero 48 times without the wind chill factor.

Those heating with liquid propane were hit particularly hard when prices climbed over $4 a gallon for the first time in 14 years. But no matter what type of heat people use, theyve needed more of it this winter.

CenterPoint Energy customers in Minnesota have used 12 percent more therms to heat their homes this winter and spent 23 percent more for that gas over an average year. The company actually set a record for the most fuel delivered to its Minnesota customers within a 24-hour period, Jan. 6-7, according to Rebecca Virden, manager of public relations with CenterPoint Energy. That record delivery of 1.35 billion cubic feet of natural gas (the equivalent of about 12 million gallons in liquid form) occurred about the same time Pipestone recorded its lowest temperature readings of the year with a high of -11 and a low of -23.

Sioux Valley Energy also set a record on Jan. 6, delivering 142.8 megawatts to its customers in southwest Minnesota and east central South Dakota, topping the previous record set in December.

We can attribute almost all of it to electric heat, said Carrie Law, director of communications for Sioux Valley Energy.

The higher-than-average cost of heating prompted Gov. Mark Dayton to take executive action Feb. 4 expanding eligibility for the states heating assistance program, making an estimated 120,000 more Minnesotans eligible for assistance. The number of people who have received heating assistance since October in Nobles, Rock, Murray and Pipestone counties is in line with previous years at around 1,900, according to Doug Mead, head of the community development department for the Southwestern Minnesota Opportunity Council (SMOC). However, Mead said more people have been calling since the governors expansion of the program.

The challenge of keeping buildings warm is more pronounced the larger the building.

For Pipestone Area Schools, for example, with about 229,740 square feet to heat between Brown and Hill elementary schools and the middle school/high school, the heating bill has nearly doubled compared to the last two years, with the school district paying $42,529.53 for gas from October to December, the most recent billing data. Jim Lentz, PAS superintendent, said its dang cold in some parts of the buildings this year, such as in the commons at the middle school/high school area when students open the doors to enter the building in the morning.

The cold was also to blame when a sprinkler head burst Jan. 6 at the middle school/high school, sending water under 123 pounds of pressure into the middle school entrance area.

Burst pipes were a common theme this winter, according to local plumbers and hardware dealers. Mary Evink, receptionist for Stout and Evink Plumbing and Heating, said theres been considerably more calls about broken pipes. Tom Sterrett, salesman at Carrows True Value, said more people have been buying parts to repair frozen or broken pipes or heat tape to prevent frozen pipes than hes ever seen in his 20 years at the store.

Go here to see the original:
Is (the worst of) it over?

Toledo, Ohio (PRWEB) February 19, 2014

A new home comes with many factors to keep in mind from location and size to aesthetics and style. But whether youre buying a brand new home or building your dream house from scratch, whats on the inside is just as important as whats on the outside.

With heating and cooling accounting for more than half (56 percent) of the energy used in a typical American home1 and thus representing the largest energy expense for most homeowners its important to keep energy efficiency top-of-mind. Air sealing offers a proven and cost-effective solution for reducing energy expenses and increasing the energy efficiency of a home.

As the name implies, air sealing is the process of filling gaps in a home where air may have the opportunity to enter or exit, ultimately impacting how much energy is needed to effectively heat and cool the living spaces. In a typical home, this air leakage can account for between 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating and cooling.2

Air leakage also affects homeowner comfort allowing moisture, drafts and unwanted noise to enter a house and can lead to an unpleasant living experience. Additionally, air infiltration may lower indoor air quality by allowing dust and airborne pollutants to enter the space, which can make even the most beautiful home unwelcoming.

An average home is built with nearly a mile of gaps, joints and openings leaving a lot of opportunity for air leakage, said Julian Francis, vice president and general manager of Residential Insulation at Owens Corning Insulating Systems, LLC. If youre building a new home, its vital to make sure its air sealed properly and if youre buying a home, its an important question to ask before signing on the dotted line. Reducing the amount of air that leaks into and out of a home is an effective way to minimize heating and cooling costs, which is worth more than any of the fanciest design elements.

To help builders and homeowners effectively achieve optimum energy efficiency in their homes, Owens Corning, a leader in the building materials industry for 75 years, has introduced a breakthrough air sealing solution that begins the sealing process as a home is being built. Extending the companys legacy of product innovation and building science leadership, Owens Corning EnergyComplete Sealant is part of a whole-home insulation and air sealing system designed for use in new construction homes and residential rebuilds. The sealants proprietary composition allows it to fill gaps and cracks inside walls before the drywall goes up to help prevent air leakage that can contribute to excessive energy use. In addition to its energy-saving benefits, it helps to reduce the chance of mold growth3 by keeping airborne moisture from entering wall cavities, and creates a first line of defense against insects and other pests4. It also reduces air infiltration by up to 70 percent and is effective at reducing exterior noise by up to 40 percent5 muffling the sounds from traffic, neighbors, barking dogs and other extraneous noise.

For todays increasingly conscious homeowners, EnergyComplete Sealant contributes to points of green building programs such as ENERGY STAR, LEED and the Home Innovations Research Lab National Green Building Standard, and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, giving peace of mind that it is designed for use in indoor spaces and meets strict chemical emissions limits for indoor air quality.

For anyone looking at a new home, energy efficiency should be top-of-mind in conversations with builders and contractors and for optimal results, consider air sealing and insulating with Owens Corning EcoTouch insulation, Francis added. Paying attention to this important topic early in the process can lead to savings on monthly heating and cooling costs and a more comfortable home.

For more information on EnergyComplete Sealant, EcoTouch insulation or other Owens Corning insulation products, visit http://www.owenscorning.com.

Here is the original post:
Air Sealing Just One Consideration for New Home Buyers to Keep in Mind

Boiler Repair Kansas City (816) 285-4440 - AnthonyPHC.com
PH. (816) 285-4440 Anthony Plumbing Heating and Cooling proudly serves Kansas City Boiler Repair. Boiler Repair Kansas City. Visit http://www.anthonyphc.com for coupons. Open 24/7.

By: Anthony Plumbing, Heating Cooling

Follow this link:
Boiler Repair Kansas City (816) 285-4440 - AnthonyPHC.com - Video

Heating Repair North Vancouver | Furnace Repair North Vancouver | Emergency Furnace Heating Repair
Get Furnace Heating Repair In North Vancouver http://youtu.be/DKqOjYpqYUo Visit our YouTube Channel: Local Business Growth http://www.youtube.com/user/2get...

By: Local Business Growth

Go here to read the rest:
Heating Repair North Vancouver | Furnace Repair North Vancouver | Emergency Furnace & Heating Repair - Video

Gilbert, Arizona (PRWEB) February 15, 2014

Buyers who look for the core of efficient Gilbert, Arizona heating and cooling soon uncover a well-planned and well-executed air conditioning and heat pump maintenance program. When home HVAC systems fail, comfort levels stumble and heating and cooling budgets crumble. Scheduling routine Arizona A/C, HP and Furnace maintenance saves money.

Warm air is near. A weather change is in the making, and the Arizona sun will soon pump out new record-breaking temperatures. Some unprepared East Valley homes, perhaps even many, will experience serious A/C or HP failures. To help reduce the calamities, Arizona HVAC contractor, ACH is offering a new cost-efficient Arizona air conditioning and heat pump maintenance program.

ACH, a Recognized Leader in HVAC Installation and HVAC Maintenance

With over twenty years open-door experience in the HVAC installation, repair and maintenance industry, American Cooling and Heating provides the equipment service Arizona residents deserve and at cost-effective competitive pricing. The Company employs drug-free skill-rated technicians with extended knowledge in all major brands of HVAC equipment, including:

Contracting an East Valley air conditioning maintenance plan through American Cooling and Heating ensures long-term reduced pricing for annual and/or semi-annual system upkeep. Calculated unit maintenance reduces Arizona A/C, HP and furnace repair bills. It also helps residents regulate the yearly expenses for peak equipment operation.

According to Energy Gov, routinely maintained HVAC equipment consumes 10% to 25% less energy than systems forced to function under shoddy upkeep. Annual or semi-annual tune-ups promote equipment durability and energy-efficient functionality. Among other key points of service, the American Cooling and Heating Arizona AC and HP maintenance plan examines home systems for compliance with:

Reports from the Environmental Protection Agency indicate that a dirty air filter can increase the cost of system airflow by as much as $200 per 10,000. Furthermore, a poorly maintained system forces additional expense due to clogged drain pans, narrowed air ducts and dirty heating and cooling coils. Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems are designed to ensure quality indoor air via a combination of regulated ventilation, adequate filtration and efficient thermal comfort. Effective A/C and HP maintenance ensures compliance to these requirements. Its a matter of comfort and operating costs.

With American Cooling and Heating, consumers can get 24/7 emergency HVAC repair services throughout the state of Arizona. But by applying the American Cooling and Heating Arizona Air Conditioning and Heat Pump maintenance program, East Valley residents also get the comfort of peak system performance. Now is the time to save on the cost of unexpected service calls as well as the frustration of an overheated home.

Choose ACH For Reliable Gilbert, Arizona and Regional Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Maintenance

Go here to read the rest:
Arizona HVAC Contractor Announces New Cost-Efficient AZ Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Maintenance Program

Knowing when to repair and then when to replace your heating and air conditioning systems are things all homeowners have to face sooner or later.

Greg DeBacker, owner of Debackers, Inc., 1520 S.E. 10th, of Topeka, said he prefers that his technicians always try to repair a problem whenever possible instead of replacing a whole system. He said thats because his staff can make more service calls and it keeps customers costs down.

DeBacker said a homeowner can do several things to keep their home safe and reduce the chances for mishaps requiring costly repairs.

DeBacker said changing your furnaces air filter on a regular basis is an easy and inexpensive way to maintain your unit.

Especially during extremely cold times, change the filter more frequently, he said, and dont run your furnace without the filter. That causes us a lot of headaches.

DeBacker said filters are inexpensive so its better to change out the used ones with new ones instead of trying to clean a used filter over and over again.

A lot of people try to save money that way, he said, but thats not a good way to save money.

Keeping the house safe with a gas furnace, DeBacker said, should always come first.

With a gas furnace, our number one concern is safety, DeBacker said, adding that about 95-percent of homes in the Topeka area use natural gas. We recommend every home have a carbon monoxide detector in it. If you have carbon monoxide, it (gas) might be burning improperly.

DeBacker said a homeowner can do several things to make sure the gas furnace stays in good working condition.

More:
At Home: Know when to repair or replace

Heating and Cooling Repair Lenexa KS (913) 384-4440 - AnthonyPHC.com
PH. (913) 384-4440 Anthony Plumbing Heating and Cooling proudly serves a Lenexa KS for Heating and Cooling Repairs. Heating and Cooling Repairs in Lenexa KS....

By: Anthony Plumbing, Heating Cooling

Go here to read the rest:
Heating and Cooling Repair Lenexa KS (913) 384-4440 - AnthonyPHC.com - Video

HVAC Repair Olathe KS (913) 384-4440 - AnthonyPHC.com
PH. (913) 384-4440 Anthony Plumbing Heating and Cooling proudly serves a Olathe KS HVAC Repair. HVAC Repair in Olathe, KS. Visit http://www.anthonyphc.com for coupo...

By: Anthony Plumbing, Heating Cooling

Link:
HVAC Repair Olathe KS (913) 384-4440 - AnthonyPHC.com - Video

Furnace Repair Independence, MO (816) 285-4440 - AnthonyPHC.com
PH. (816) 285-4440 Anthony Plumbing Heating and Cooling proudly serves Independence MO Furnace Repair. Furnace Repair Independence MO. Visit http://www.anthonyphc.c...

By: Anthony Plumbing, Heating Cooling

Visit link:
Furnace Repair Independence, MO (816) 285-4440 - AnthonyPHC.com - Video

Heating and Cooling Repair Liberty MO (816) 285-4440 - AnthonyPHC.com
PH. (816) 285-4440 Anthony Plumbing Heating and Cooling proudly serves Liberty MO Heating and Cooling repair. Heating and Cooling Repair Liberty MO. Visit ww...

By: Anthony Plumbing, Heating Cooling

Read the original here:
Heating and Cooling Repair Liberty MO (816) 285-4440 - AnthonyPHC.com - Video