Showing posts with label heating. Show all posts
Showing posts with label heating. Show all posts

Keeping Warm in Hard Times: The Art of Saving Money on Home Heating Costs Review

Keeping Warm in Hard Times: The Art of Saving Money on Home Heating Costs
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Have you ever wished at times that you knew everything that someone who knows the home heating field knows? Here is all the inside information and knowledge that I have about how to keep your house warm for less. I wrote this book because I was unable to find a book like it. A book that is focused on saving on home heating costs, not on reducing your "carbon footprint" or just the little minor energy savings projects featured in other books. I also made it a point to correct the deficiencies I disliked in other books, like omitting key details like books on wood heating failing to discuss how to light a fire. Failure to recommend specific models or list a price or a web page for more information. I also include installation details so you know what it takes to install something, and I also cover how to operate it. While I do cover the many little things you can do to reduce drafts and improve the efficiency of your existing heating unit, in my book the main point is about the big things that you can do to greatly reduce your home heating costs. If you have been reading the news for the last few years, you already know that in the near future we can expect large increases in the cost of energy. The purpose of my book is to educate you about what options are available to heat your home for less, and what you can do now to dramatically reduce what it costs to keep your home warm. So when energy costs do go through the roof, you will still be able to afford to heat your home. Folks, as bad as things maybe at the moment, this is still the calm before the storm. Now is the time to get ready by remodelling your home so it is easier to heat and can be heated with cheaper fuels in more efficient heating units. I also strongly advise the wisdom of having more than one source of heat, so that you have a back up in case one fuel becomes too expensive to heat with or is unavailable. I also cover what to do in black outs and when you can't afford to pay the heating bills. Plus I have one chapter on air conditioning on how to reduce your AC electric bill or even how to be comfortable without AC.
If by the time you are reading this; energy costs have already exploded and you have no money to do much of anything with, I also cover things that you can do yourself without spending a lot and some heating tricks that don't cost a dime but can save you some money. While you would have been far better off to have taken corrective steps earlier, you can still make the best of it by doing what you can to reduce your heating costs. I discuss what you can do to improve your current heating system performance and what you can do to keep from freezing when you can not afford heat or don't have heat.


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How would you like to reduce your monthly heating bill by over 75 percent? Huge reductions in heating costs are possible for most homeowners. Learn how you can reduce your heating costs by reducing your home's heat loses, upgrading to a higher efficiency-heating unit and switching to a cheaper heating fuel.Learn what heating options are available today including geothermal heat pumps, outdoor wood boilers, coal, solar heating, wood pellets, corn, grass pellets, biofuels and others, and see how they stack up against each other in terms of installation costs and operating costs. Included are what to do when you cannot afford heat, when the furnace breaks, heating in blackouts, when the gas stops as well as how to save on air conditioning costs and how to super insulate your house. A do-it-yourself book about how you can retrofit your existing house into the energy efficient home of tomorrow. (20 chapters, 356 pages)

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HVAC Systems Design Handbook, Fifth Edition Review

HVAC Systems Design Handbook, Fifth Edition
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The book is just okay in my opinion. For it to be a systems design book, there are no basic illustrations of systems. For example, there is no pictures of an all air system, all water system, air water system... They do however, cover the components that are in these systems, but I feel that they should show illustrations of the full systems. I also like the way that they have all of the formulas in the beginning chapter of the book in one easy to find location.

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A complete, fully revised HVAC design reference

Thoroughly updated with the latest codes, technologies, and practices, this all-in-one resource provides details, calculations, and specifications for designing efficient and effective residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC systems.

HVAC Systems Design Handbook, Fifth Edition, features new information on energy conservation and computer usage for design and control, as well as the most recent International Code Council (ICC) Mechanical Code requirements. Detailed illustrations, tables, and essential HVAC equations are also included. This comprehensive guide contains everything you need to design, operate, and maintain peak-performing HVAC systems.

Coverage includes:

Load calculations

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DeWALT HVAC Estimating Professional Reference (Dewalt Trade Reference) Review

DeWALT HVAC Estimating Professional Reference (Dewalt Trade Reference)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I like Dewalt Estimating series because they are very practical information. This HVAC book is no exception. Stuff we all do every day: marketing yourself to GC, get on the bidder list, read blueprints, quantity take-off, vendor pricing, write quote letters, contract negotiation, job costing... You name it. But the book is good because it presents all this information upfront, without big talks. Convenient size makes it easy to carry and look up info. Give it 5 out of 5, 10 out of 10.

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Mechanical estimators, building contractors, and technical trade contractors alike will benefit from the straightforward, must-know HVAC estimating information that this book provides. The DEWALT HVAC Estimating Professional Reference guides readers through each step of the HVAC bidding process, beginning with identifying potential business opportunities, and progressing to estimating, conducting cost analysis, reviewing contracts, and finally, to closing the deal. On-site worksheets, "Getting the Job" tips, and math shortcuts offer additional tools, making this a concise yet comprehensive resource for anyone preparing to bid for an HVAC job.

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No Ducks in the Attic: & Other Basics of HVAC Installation Review

No Ducks in the Attic: and Other Basics of HVAC Installation
Average Reviews:

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I work in an office for a sheet metal company (HVAC also). This is so well written that even I understand what the guys are talking about most of the time now! The ideas are centered more on the AC end of things as opposed to the heating but I love anything that helps me learn something new!!


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No Ducks in the Attic is a fun and easy look at residential HVAC installations. Professionals in the industry are often taught theory in the classroom, and the "just do it this way" method in the field without knowing how or why. From the owner of the company, right down to the newest apprentice, all can learn how to properly install a system, create a happy customer, and be profitable without the pitfalls of trial and error mechanics. No Ducks in the Attic discusses the dos and don?ts of load calculations, duct design, equipment specs, condensate problems, electrical basics, and other subjects to fill in the gaps that others assume you know. Especially good for those who aren't "big readers".

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The Smart Guide to Geothermal: How to Harvest Earth's Free Energy for Heating and Cooling Review

The Smart Guide to Geothermal: How to Harvest Earth's Free Energy for Heating and Cooling
Average Reviews:

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As a Licensed Professional Engineer, the book "The Smart Guide to Geothermal: How to Harvest Earth's Free Energy for Heating and Cooling" has a very good six page chapter on "What Will It Cost?" The 8.5 by 5.5 inch book of photographs, drawings, charts, graphs, etc, are sufficient for the general understanding of geothermal heating systems.
This was one of two books on Geothermal Heating & Cooling ordered through Amazon with expedited shipping, because my current system was out of order. Very fortunately, they arrived 24 hours before the contractor arrived to start making measurements. The two books saved me a fortune, because the the contractor had low balled his earlier verbal estimate to one-third of the real cost. When challenged by the two books in front of him, the price tripled. Needless to say, other arrangements have been made.

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Discover why geothermal heating and cooling is the most energy efficient technology available to homeowners, and how all homes--new or retrofit, in hot or cold climates--can use this reliable, silent, non-polluting way of extracting free energy from the earth. Contents: - Geothermal system options, including open-loop, closed-loop and DX configurations, using horizontal and vertical earth loops - The importance of finding a qualified contractor - Costs, tax credits and payback issues, plus calculating increased home values - Who is using geothermal energy, including the author s firsthand experiences, home profiles from around the country as well as an overview of commercial/institutional projects - How solar electricity can be used to power the system, plus other future trends - Unraveling the science and technology of geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) - Understanding GHP performance standards, ratings and warranties - Comprehensive appendix with helpful resources (manufacturers, associations, etc.) and a career section for those interested in entering the field

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HVAC Equations, Data, and Rules of Thumb, 2nd Ed. Review

HVAC Equations, Data, and Rules of Thumb, 2nd Ed.
Average Reviews:

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Are you collecting all of the most crucial mechanical design information and putting it in a three-ring binder? If so, throw it away and get this book! It has absolutely the most comprehensive collection of mechanical design information availible. Along with the ASHRAE handbooks, this is all you need for reference material.

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The Latest Information and "Tricks of the Trade" for Achieving First-Rate HVAC Designs on Any Construction Job!

HVAC Equations, Data, and Rules of Thumb presents a wealth of state-of-the-art HVAC design information and guidance, ranging from air distribution to piping systems to plant equipment. This popular reference has now been fully updated to reflect the construction industry's new single body of codes and standards.
Featuring an outline format for ease of use, the Second Edition of this all-in-one sourcebook contains:
Updated HVAC codes and standards, including the 2006 International Building Code
Over 200 equations for everything from ductwork to air-handling systems
ASME and ASHRAE code specifications
Over 350 rules of thumb for cooling, heating, ventilation, and more
New material including: coverage of the new single body of construction codes now used throughout the country

Inside This Updated HVAC Design Guide
• Definitions • Equations • Rules of Thumb for Cooling, Heating, Infiltration, Ventilation, Humidification, People/Occupancy, Lighting, and Appliance/Equipment • Cooling Load Factors • Heating Load Factors • Design Conditions and Energy Conservation • HVAC System Selection Criteria • Air Distribution Systems • Piping Systems (General, Hydronic, Glycol, Steam, Steam Condensate, AC Condensate, Refrigerant) • Central Plant Equipment (Air-Handling Units, Chillers, Boilers, Cooling Towers, Heat Exchangers) • Auxiliary Equipment (Fans, Pumps, Motors, Controllers, Variable-Frequency Drives, Filters, Insulation, Fire Stopping) • Automatic Controls/Building Automation Systems • Equipment Schedules • Equipment Manufacturers • Building Construction Business Fundamentals • Architectural, Structural, and Electrical Information • Conversion Factors • Properties of Air and Water • Designer's Checklist • Professional Societies and Trade Organizations • References and Design Manuals • Cleanroom Criteria and Standards

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Solar Water Heating: A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Water and Space Heating Systems (Mother Earth News Wiser Living Series) Review

Solar Water Heating: A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Water and Space Heating Systems (Mother Earth News Wiser Living Series)
Average Reviews:

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Despite Federal tax credits (up to 30% of the total cost, including installation) for solar water heating there's a lack of information on the subject.
For a handyman with good plumbing skills, or a homeowner wanting to learn about solar water heating, this is the best book available.
After a history of solar water heating in the US, the book describes various systems that use the sun to heat and store water. Climate, freeze conditions, water quality and amount of sunlight available are some of the factors considered in choosing a system, and the book describes them all. Individual components are detailed in a logical, straightforward way. It's obvious the authors have extensive practical knowledge. The writing style is informal and easy to read.
Besides all the solar water heating information, this book also has a good section on radiant floor heating, detailing the use of PEX tubing to heat a concrete slab.
The book uses a lot of drawings to demonstrate how things work. More actual photographs of systems and components would have been helpful. I also wish the authors would have included brand names and sources for equipment. The industry still suffers from the stigma of poorly designed systems of the 1970's and 80's. Some reassurances from the authors regarding which component manufacturers are good would have been nice.
For the past five years, I've lived with a solar water heating system I bought as a package and installed myself. I've been happy with all the "free" hot water it's provided. If this book had been available when planning my system I would have had a much better idea of what I was doing. Having all the components matched and sized with specific instructions gave me a lot of confidence during installation. In my opinion, for the neophyte, a component package is a good way to go.
For anyone planning a residential sized solar water heating system, this is the best book available. It's an excellent guide, whether you decide to choose the individual components yourself, buy a package, or hire a contractor to install a turnkey system.
If you're a contractor or someone wanting to get into the solar water heating business, "Solar Hot Water Systems - Lessons Learned 1977 to Today" (Tom Lane) is very good, but the amount of technical detail implies you already have a good working knowledge of plumbing and roofing. [...]
Good luck getting into hot water!

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Heating water with the sun is almost as old as humankind itself, and it is done all over the world. Yet there are strangely few resources on the topic in North America.

Solar Water Heating fills this gap. It reviews the history of solar water and space heating systems from prehistory to the present, then presents the basics of solar water heating, including an introduction to modern solar energy systems, energy conservation and energy economics. Drawing on the author's experience as an installer of these systems, the book goes on to cover:

Types of solar collectors, solar water and space heating systems and solar pool heating systems, including their advantages and disadvantages
System components, their installation, operation, and maintenance
System sizing and siting
Choosing the appropriate system.

Since people often get turned off by the up-front cost, the book focuses especially on the financial aspects of solar water or space heating systems, clearly showing that such systems can save significant costs in the long run. Well-illustrated, the book is designed for a wide readership from the curious to the student or professional.

Bob Ramlow is the solar thermal consultant for the Wisconsin Focus on Energy Program. The owner of a renewable energy company, he has over 30 years experience with solar energy systems and is a founder and director of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA). Benjamin Nusz currently works as a solar water heating consultant and site assessor in Wisconsin.


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