Radiant heating systems

 By Lorraine Cyr

This is a very old idea that is becoming popular again.  A long time ago the Greeks and Romans heated the floors of the baths with wood fires.  This made perfect sense heat rises.  Today we use several different methods to run heat through our floors.  In some areas of our country solar heat is not enough to heat a home in the winter but it can reduce your energy consumption from 10% to 90%.

There are two common types of heating systems.  Solar radiant air and solar hydronic floors both use the sun to heat the fluid (air or liquid) in the collectors and then feeds it through the flooring system.  In the air systems the solar collectors heat the air and then send it through air passages which are set in the concrete floor.  This type of system can be added to over the top of your current floor with just a few minor adjustments.  With the hydronic (water) system the solar collector heats the water which is sent to a storage tank and then it is pumped through the pipes in the floor.  The storage tank system provides easier control over floor temperatures and can be supplemented with a back up heating source such as on demand water heater, heat pumps or even a wood stove when solar energy is not enough.   

When choosing to use solar energy systems the initial cost is always higher.  In this case a radiant heating system for an average home will cost about $15,000 and a non-solar heating system is $4,000 to $7,000.  Many families ask why spend the extra money?  But now there are lots of rebates that make the cost less than a non-solar system. The Federal government is offering a 30% rebate, most States are offering a 5% and the utility companies are offering 15% on solar systems.  Families can now install a new solar system for less cost than a non-solar system.  Solar energy also reduces our dependence on foreign oil, reduces our carbon foot print and is good for our planet.  Radiant heat does not blow dust, pollen or other allergy causing bacteria around your house which a good health reason to make the change.  A solar heating system will last 2 to 3 times as long as a non-solar system.  In some cases with the proper maintenance the solar panel has lasted 50 years and the pump 25 years.  With this in mind even without the benefits of rebates solar is a good investment.

Why are you waiting???  NOW is the time to make the change.

Pros and Cons of Wood and Synthetic decks

By Lorraine Cyr

If you’re thinking of a new deck or perhaps rehabbing your old one by replacing those worn deck boards, you have no doubt noticed that you have a whole lot of choices these days.

Natural wood, treated wood and synthetics abound, with some pros and cons to each choice.

So here’s a basic rundown on some of things you might want to consider when making your selection.

Also, remember to ask about fasteners when you make your decking choice. Some types of both natural and synthetic decking materials require specific fasteners to prevent staining, “mushrooming” around the screw head, and other possible problems, so be sure to select the right fastener for the job.

WOOD (not a good choice for a green planet)

Until relatively recently, natural wood was the only option you had for a deck. Today, even with all the choices, wood is still extremely popular, and it has lots of things going for it.

First of all, some people believe that nothing can match the natural beauty of real wood.  The warmth, color and grain variations found in wood enhance a deck, and seem to flow more readily into the outdoor surroundings.  

On the downside, there is no denying that wood requires some maintenance to keep it looking nice. To keep that new-deck appearance, a deck stain or other treatment should be applied at least every other year. Even if you want to allow the wood to weather naturally to the soft gray color that most wood takes on after a few years, you need to apply some type of moisture and UV protection to help keep the wood from prematurely deteriorating.

When selecting wood for use on an exterior deck, you want to select one that is both weather- and insect-resistant. There are several good choices, with cedar and redwood being the most common and the most affordable. At the upper end of the price spectrum, other beautiful, long-lasting deck woods include mahogany, teak and plantation-grown South American hardwoods such as Ipe (also called ironwood).  Think of the disappearing rain forest!

Another choice for decking is pressure-treated lumber. Pressure-treating woods such as fir, hemlock, and pine will greatly improve the wood’s resistance to weather and insects, so it lasts considerably longer. The treatment process gives the wood a green or brown tint, which some people find attractive and some don’t. And while this is still natural wood with all its inherent grain characteristics, there are also small slots at regular intervals along the face of the wood where the treatment chemicals are injected.

SYNTHETIC DECKING

Within the last decade or so, the number of synthetic decking materials on the market has exploded. Synthetic decking, like wood, has some advantages and disadvantages that you need to look at carefully before making your final choice.

Synthetic decking is made from different types of materials, depending on the manufacturer, but is basically a mixture of plastic and wood fiber. The material is pressed and formed into boards, and during the molding process the face and sometimes the edge of the board is given a wood-grain appearance. Synthetic decking materials are available in several different grain patterns that range from fairly heavily embossed to almost smooth, as well as in a variety of different colors. Some types look remarkably like natural wood, while others retain more of an imitation wood appearance. Virtually all synthetics can be cut and machined with normal woodworking tools.

One advantage that synthetic decking has over wood is a reduced amount of maintenance. However, that does not mean that once the material is installed, you can just forget about it. In fact, synthetic decking was touted as being “maintenance free” when it first came on the market, but those claims proved to be a little optimistic.

Today, you will see synthetics marketed with terms more along the lines of low maintenance, and that’s really a more accurate description. The decking needs to be washed periodically to remove dirt and dust, and many types are prone to staining from grease, oil and other materials. As such, it’s a good idea to use some type of protection under and around barbecues and other cooking areas.

One type of synthetic deck material that works well is Ecodek which is made from hardwood fibres and ultra-tough polyethylene, this makes Ecodek a synthetic decking that is as hard wearing as plastic decking and yet as beautiful as hardwood decking.

Ecodek is engineered for life in the great outdoors. The composite material has an inherent resistance to UV light and wood worm. Because it’s moisture resistant, it endures the elements without rotting, warping or splitting. 

Environmentally friendly decking Ecodek recycled decking products are 95% recycled and 100% recyclable.  This time, choosing a superior product won’t cost the earth. Ecodek composite decking is constructed from reclaimed hardwood and a polymer recovered from recycled plastic milk cartons. Less energy is required to manufacture Ecodek than is required for recycled plastic decking therefore producing less carbon emissions.

And as if that’s not green enough, Ecodek’s in-built resistance to moisture eliminates the need for stains or sealants so there will be no nasty chemicals to leach into your soil or pond.

Go Green With Solar Shinngles and Save $$$

By Lorraine Cyr

Do you remember the big “boom box” that we use to carry around as kids?  I know I am dating myself but when solar energy first came to the market place the panels where the size of a queen size mattress that was mounted on top of your roof and you need 4 or 5 just to get a small amount of energy.  Now days you can get solar energy in a roof top shingle. 

These systems are called “building-integrated photovoltaics” or BIPV’s which combine solar cells with slate, metal, fiber-cement or asphalt.  Each single will produce between 50 and 200 watts or enough to run a window fan.  When you connect a entire roof you can generate enough electricity to power the whole house.  So when the sun is out you have free power and 39 State allow you to sell unused electricity back to the power companies for a credit.  To really get your money out of a solar powered system you need to make a few changes in your life.  As you go out the door to work turn on the clothes dryer and the dish washer.  In other words plan to use you electricity when the sun is out.

There are both local rebates from your utility company and federal tax credits that will help with the cost of a new solar system.  A new solar shingled roof on a 3000 square foot home will cost about $15,000.  Most families will qualify for about 1/3 of this cost back in rebates and if you finance the balance over 15 years it will cost you about $100 a month.  Where you will see the savings is in the electric bill.  Instead of a $400 air conditioning bill in July you might pay $1.50!