Alternative Heating Supplies
Alternative heating options allow people to use resources or sources other than electricity or natural gas to heat their homes and other buildings. Alternative heating options often use renewable natural resources, so they are considered to be more environmentally friendly than electricity. These options have become more commonplace as concern has grown over rising costs associated with conventional heating sources. . Does this Spark an idea?
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Solar Heat
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Solar heating systems collect and use the heat from sunlight to provide heat to homes. Solar heat is either passive or active. When it is active, solar systems are much more complex and require heat collectors, heat pumps, storage tanks and controls to collect, store and distribute the heat throughout the space. Active solar heating systems require electricity to collect, store and distribute solar heat, but they still use less energy than traditionally heated homes. Passive solar heating systems make use of natural sunlight exposure and materials that naturally retain heat from the sun. For example, southern-facing windows are considered more solar heat-friendly than others, and ceramic tiles and concrete are known for retaining solar heat after exposure to sunlight. This makes use of a renewable heat source.
Geothermal
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Geothermal heat is when the heat from the Earth's surface is used as a source of warmth for homes. The temperature below the Earth's surface can be used to heat up a home by transferring the heat from the Earth to conductive fluid -- either well water or antifreeze -- that is held in underground pipes. This fluid can then be used to heat a home with the aid of a heat exchanger, a pump and a fan to distribute the heat. This makes use of renewable heating resources.
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Pellet Stoves
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Pellet stoves give off heat by burning either wood or corn pellets, which are made especially for pellet stoves. Pellet stoves are considered more heat and cost effective than natural gas or electricity. They are also more environmentally friendly than wood stoves, because pellets can be shaped from leftover or recycled wood and corn products. Last, pellet stoves are also less difficult to install than solar heating alternatives. Pellet stoves are usually a direct venting system, so no additional duct work needs to be added to make use of them. They come in a variety of sizes, depending on a homeowner's heating needs.
Wood Stoves
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Wood stoves are a heating alternative and interior design option that can contribute to heat control in homes. They are less expensive than heating oil or natural gas, and a properly placed and installed wood stove can provide sufficient heat for an entire home. Wood stoves make use of logs or kindling to maintain heat and have their own direct ventilation system (through chimneys or vents.
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References
Resources
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