High Efficiency Furnaces Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Most of us are aware that burning fossil fuels such as oil, gas or coal generates waste gases which are emitted into the atmosphere. It is believed by many scientists that these emissions are largely responsible for the climate changes which are presently underway. there is another school of thought which says that climate changes have been continual over the course of geological time and that the present global warming is a natural occurrence which would take place even if we do not emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

It is undoubtedly true that vast climate changes have happened regularly over the milennia. However there is little doubt that even if our greenhpuse gas emissions are not the primary reason for global warming they are certainly contributing to global warming and speeding it up. For this reason many of us want to cut our impact on the atmosphere by reducing our "carbon footprint" as it is often called. Installing a high efficiency gas furnace is one way to make a big cut in the emissions we contribute to the problem. Here is a document published by the  United States Environmental Protection Agency  which discusses the problem of greenhouse gases:

Natural Gas
Electricity Generation Technologies
Natural Gas
Coal
Oil
Nuclear Energy
Municipal Solid Waste
Hydroelectricity
Non-Hydroelectric Renewable Energy


Electricity from Natural Gas
Natural gas is a fossil fuel formed when layers of buried plants and animals are exposed to intense heat and pressure over thousands of years. The energy that the plants and animals originally obtained from the sun is stored in the form of carbon in natural gas. Natural gas is combusted to generate electricity, enabling this stored energy to be transformed into usable power. Natural gas is a nonrenewable resource because it cannot be replenished on a human time frame.
The natural gas power production process begins with the extraction of natural gas, continues with its treatment and transport to the power plants, and ends with its combustion in boilers and turbines to generate electricity.
Initially, wells are drilled into the ground to remove the natural gas. After the natural gas is extracted, it is treated at gas plants to remove impurities such as hydrogen sulfide, helium, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, and moisture. Pipelines then transport the natural gas from the gas plants to power plants.
Power plants use several methods to convert gas to electricity. One method is to burn the gas in a boiler to produce steam, which is then used by a steam turbine to generate electricity. A more common approach is to burn the gas in a combustion turbine to generate electricity.
Another technology, that is growing in popularity is to burn the natural gas in a combustion turbine and use the hot combustion turbine exhaust to make steam to drive a steam turbine. This technology is called "combined cycle" and achieves a higher efficiency by using the same fuel source twice.
Environmental Impacts
Although power plants are regulated by federal and state laws to protect human health and the environment, there is a wide variation of environmental impacts associated with power generation technologies.
The purpose of the following section is to give consumers a better idea of the specific air, water, and solid waste releases associated with natural gas-fired generation.
Air Emissions
At the power plant, the burning of natural gas produces nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide, but in lower quantities than burning coal or oil. Methane, a primary component of natural gas and a greenhouse gas, can also be emitted into the air when natural gas is not burned completely. Similarly, methane can be emitted as the result of leaks and losses during transportation. Emissions of sulfur dioxide and mercury compoundsfrom burning natural gas are negligible.
The average emissions rates in the United States from natural gas-fired generation are: 1135 lbs/MWh of carbon dioxide, 0.1 lbs/MWh of sulfur dioxide, and 1.7 lbs/MWh of nitrogen oxides.1 Compared to the average air emissions from coal-fired generation, natural gas produces half as much carbon dioxide, less than a third as much nitrogen oxides, and one percent as much sulfur oxides at the power plant.2 In addition, the process of extraction, treatment, and transport of the natural gas to the power plant generates additional emissions.
Water Resource Use
The burning of natural gas in combustion turbines requires very little water. However, natural gas-fired boiler and combined cycle systems do require water for cooling purposes. When power plants remove water from a lake or river, fish and other aquatic life can be killed, affecting animals and people who depend on these aquatic resources.
Water Discharges
Combustion turbines do not produce any water discharges. However, pollutants and heat build up in the water used in natural gas boilers and combined cycle systems. When these pollutants and heat reach certain levels, the water is often discharged into lakes or rivers. This discharge usually requires a permit and is monitored. For more information about these regulations, visit EPA's Office of Water Web site.
Solid Waste Generation
The use of natural gas to create electricity does not produce substantial amounts of solid waste.
Land Resource Use
The extraction of natural gas and the construction of natural gas power plants can destroy natural habitat for animals and plants. Possible land resource impacts include erosion, loss of soil productivity, and landslides.

The above material is reprinted from a document published by  The United States Environmental Protection agency

Clearly if we as individuals want to cut our "carbon footprint" by reducing the quantities of greenhouse gases we emit into the atmosphere, a high efficiency natural gas furnasce will be a good step in this direction. A furnace with 97% efficiency rating will use 35% to 50% less gas than an older furnace of 50% to 60% efficiency. Hence apart from saving money on our gas bills we are also saving our atmosphere from further pollution. For more information about high efficiency furnaces go to gas furnace prices and to  high efficiency furnaces 

                                                             

Should You Have Your Air ducts Cleaned Regularly?

                                                                 



Air ducts are the system of metal piping which carries hot air from your furnace into the home to warm it.They also carry cool air from the air conditioner in warm weather. Many people are under the impression that these air ducts can accumulate substantial  amounts of dirt and dust which will then be carried into the home by the air flow from the furnace. But is this really so and should you have your air ducts professionally cleaned at regular intervals. Many people do just this and pay quite large fees for the work. Is is necessary and worthwhile. Here is a quote from the United States Environmental Protection Agency on this subject:

Knowledge about air duct cleaning is in its early stages, so a blanket recommendation cannot be offered as to whether you should have your air ducts in your home cleaned. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) urges you to read this document in it entirety as it provides important information on the subject.


Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g., dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts. This is because much of the dirt in air ducts adheres to duct surfaces and does not necessarily enter the living space. It is important to keep in mind that dirty air ducts are only one of many possible sources of particles that are present in homes. Pollutants that enter the home both from outdoors and indoor activities such as cooking, cleaning, smoking, or just moving around can cause greater exposure to contaminants than dirty air ducts. Moreover, there is no evidence that a light amount of household dust or other particulate mater in air ducts poses any risk to your health.


You should consider having the air ducts in your home cleaned if:


There is substantial visible mold growth inside hard surface (e.g., sheet metal) ducts or on other components of your heating and cooling system. There are several important points to understand concerning mold detection in heating and cooling systems:


Many sections of your heating and cooling system may not be accessible for a visible inspection, so ask the service provider to show you any mold they say exists.
You should be aware that although a substance may look like mold, a positive determination of whether it is mold or not can be made only by an expert and may require laboratory analysis for final confirmation. For about $50, some microbiology laboratories can tell you whether a sample sent to them on a clear strip of sticky household tape is mold or simply a substance that resembles it.
If you have insulated air ducts and the insulation gets wet or moldy it cannot be effectively cleaned and should be removed and replaced.
If the conditions causing the mold growth in the first place are not corrected, mold growth will recur.


Ducts are infested with vermin, e.g. (rodents or insects); or


Ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris and/or particles are actually released into the home from your supply registers.
If any of the conditions identified above exists, it usually suggests one or more underlying causes. Prior to any cleaning, retrofitting, or replacing of your ducts, the cause or causes must be corrected or else the problem will likely recur.


Some research suggests that cleaning heating and cooling system components (e.g., cooling coils, fans and heat exchangers) may improve the efficiency of your system, resulting in a longer operating life, as well as some energy and maintenance cost savings. However, little evidence exists that cleaning only the ducts will improve the efficiency of the system.


You may consider having your air ducts cleaned simply because it seems logical that air ducts will get dirty over time and should be occasionally cleaned. Provided that the cleaning is done properly, no evidence suggests that such cleaning would be detrimental. EPA does not recommend that the air ducts be cleaned routinely, but only as needed. EPA does, however, recommend that if you have a fuel burning furnace, stove or fireplace, they be inspected for proper functioning and serviced before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.


If you do decide to have your air ducts cleaned, take the same consumer precautions you normally would in assessing the service provider's competence and reliability.


Air duct cleaning service providers may tell you that they need to apply chemical biocide to the inside of your ducts as a means to kill bacteria (germs) and fungi (mold) and prevent future biological growth. They may also propose the application of a "sealant" to prevent dust and dirt particles from being released into the air or to seal air leaks. You should fully understand the pros and cons of permitting application of chemical biocides or sealants. While the targeted use of chemical biocides and sealants may be appropriate under specific circumstances, research has not demonstrated their effectiveness in duct cleaning or their potential adverse health effects. No chemical biocides are currently registered by EPA for use in internally-insulated air duct systems (see Should chemical biocides be applied to the inside of air ducts?).


Whether or not you decide to have the air ducts in your home cleaned, preventing water and dirt from entering the system is the most effective way to prevent contamination (see How to Prevent Duct Contamination).

The above material is quoted from the EPA website.

So it seems that there is actually little reason to clean air ducts regularly unless you have evidence of a problem. However if you feel better about having this done regularly it will not do any harm to your heating system. Therefore it is a matter for individual choice and is entirely up to you. Just realize that you may be paying quite a lot for a service which is not accomplishing anything helpful.
You can go to our website for more information about gas furnace prices and also high efficiency furnaces.

Energy Efficiency And High Efficiency Furnaces

                                                                 


High efficiency furnaces are all about energy efficiency. The most energy efficient way to heat your home, and at the same time to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions which may be partly responsible for climate change. The more efficient your furnace or heating system is the less fuel it will consume to heat your home.
The following material about energy efficient home heating is quoted directly from Mother Earth News:

Energy-Efficient, Renewable and Alternative Home Heating Options


The Mother Earth News Archive contains over 35 years worth of great articles to help you save money on energy bills, heat and cool your home more efficiently and reduce your dependence on fossil fuels. Now more than ever, the rising costs of electricity and natural gas are inciting people to consider these alternatives. You'll find information here on earth-sheltered and passive solar home design; geothermal heat pumps; insulating your home efficiently; using solar-energy collecting devices as heat sources; tapping renewable sources of energy, such as wood and biodiesel; and choosing back-up generators and other emergency heating options.

This special collection of articles will help you save money and energy this winter!

Do-It-Yourself Solar Heat

The sun's energy can be captured by homemade solar hot-air collectors and thermosiphoning panels to provide free heat. The units direct air warmed by the sun through a window or wall opening into the adjoining room.

If you're serious about cutting your home heating bills this winter, one of our inexpensive, do-it-yourself projects will help.

Passive Solar Home Design

Millions of homes easily could be designed to capture free heat directly from the sun. But instead we are burning — wasting — huge amounts of oil and natural gas every winter. You can incorporate passive-solar heating in any style home. Or you can add solar features when remodeling an existing home, as long as the south side of the house receives full sun most of the day.



Read more: http://www.motherearthnews.com/energy-efficient-heating-cooling.aspx#ixzz1g4bqJPkatly designed, solar homes provide unrivaled comfort in winter and summer. They offer large, south-facing windows, generous views, sunny interiors and open floor plans.

These articles from the Mother Earth News Archive will show you how to build or remodel a home to take advantage of passive solar principles.

Earth-sheltered Houses

Earth-sheltered homes fit a wide range of climates and a variety of building sites, providing energy-efficient, weather-proof shelter. Earth-bermed structures can drastically cut your energy costs by taking advantage of the constancy of the Earth's temperature and thermal mass. In addition, earth-sheltered homes also are protected from heat-robbing winter winds and the scorching summer sun. Paired with passive-solar design, an earth-sheltered home can save you tens of thousands of dollars in fuel bills during your lifetime.

This collection of articles from the Mother Earth News Archive will inspire you to build your dream Earth home.

Renewable Heating Fuels

By conserving energy use and taking advantage of renewable sources of heating fuel, you can reduce your need for fossil fuels significantly. Some of these renewable resources include wood and biodiesel, which can be made from animal fats and plant oils such as soy, canola, sunflower and corn.

You'll find plenty of helpful information in these articles to get you started on a path to fuel independence.

The above material is quoted directly from Mother Earth News

There are lots of ways to slash your energy costs. Here are several articles filled with ideas for money- and energy-saving home improvements, and tips for emergency preparedness during the winter months.

High efficiency furnaces are one of the best ways to cut down on fuel bills by using less fuel to heat your home. As seen above there are a number of other ways which can be taken to achieve energy efficiency. All homeowners should seriously consider installing a high efficiency furnace when the time comes to replace an older furnace.
See our website for more information gas furnace prices and also high efficiency furnaces

The Anatomy Of A High Efficiency Furnace

                                                                   

High efficiency gas furnaces are very popular for use in areas of long winters and colder climate. They do cost more than mid efficiency units but the greater saving in fuel costs will fairly quickly pay for the extra cost. In areas of warmenr climate and shorter winters the payout will take longer and the higherpurchase cost may not be justified. The other factor to be considered of course is that high efficiency furnaces vent much less pollution into the environment. If you are concerned about this the extra cost may be worthwhile to you.What are the main high efficiency furnaces
features that make it more costly? The following expanation is quoted from About.com

In the tutorial Gas Furnace Types and Efficiency Ratings I describe the two main types of gas furnaces in the home, the conventional furnace and the newer high efficiency condensing furnace. The technologies used in these furnaces directly impact their AFUE efficiency rating. Only condensing furnace technology achieves the highest efficiency ratings of over 90% AFUE, with some furnaces reaching over 98% AFUE.
AFUE is an acronym for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency and is the metric used to measure furnace efficiency. It is simply a ratio between the amount of fuel converted to heat and the amount of fuel which enters the furnace. The higher the AFUE the more efficient the furnace.


The condensing furnace is so efficient and extracts so much heat from the combustion process that its exhaust vent / flue is just warm to the touch, not “burn your fingers hot” like a conventional furnace.


So what makes the conventional furnace and condensing furnace so different, and how does the condensing furnace work? Well, that’s what I’ll explain in this tutorial called Anatomy of a High Efficiency Condensing Furnace. In this tutorial you’ll learn the following about a condensing furnace and its components:
How a Condensing Furnace is Different
Overview of how a condensing furnace works
Air Recycling / Fresh Air Intake
Cold air return
Heat recovery ventilator (optional accessory)
Air filter
Electric blower motor
Blower compartment
Fuel Combustion
Gas burner
Electronic ignition
Combustion chamber
Combustion air intake
Heat Extraction
Primary heat exchanger
Secondary condensing heat exchanger
Condensate drain line
Combustion Exhaust
Draft inducing fan
Plastic flue gas vent
Previous123456Next
Home Repair Tutorials
Gas Furnaces Types and Efficiencies
Types of Electronic Furnace Ignition
Troubleshooting a Gas Furnace
More Home Repair Tutorials
Troubleshooting a Home Furnace Thermostat
Seasonal Furnace Maintenance
How to Light a Gas Furnace Standing Pilot
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Home Heating Systems

The above material is quoted directly from About.com

When your old furnace has reached the stage where it must be replaced you have a decision to make. You can install either a mid efficiency furnace(where this is legal) or you can pay more for a high efficiency furnace. There is no doubt that your fuel bills will be less with the high efficiency unit. The above discussion shows you what is entailed in a high efficiency furnace which may help with your decision.
We feel that the lesser fuel costs combined with the lower atmospheric pollution level definitely justifies the higher cost. However this is a decision for the individual consumer to make.
At our website you can obtain more information about gas furnace prices and about high efficiency furnaces.

How Can I Save More On My Natural Gas Heating Bill

High efficiency furnaces can save you a lot of money on your home heating bill when compared to an old inefficient furnace. Your old furnace will have an efficiency of about 60%. This means that 60% of the gas burnt in the furnace goes to heat the home and the remaining 40% is wasted. With a high efficiency furnace 90% to 97% of the fuel burnt is used to directly heat the home. This means that a saving of 35% or more will occur in your fuel cost.The following information is quoted directly from  Saskenergy

As a general rule, you will save 2% on your heating bill for every 1°C you turn down the thermostat overnight.  With a programmable thermostat to consistently lower your heat when you don’t need it, you could save up to $65 a year!
Save Even more Money
H i  g h   E  f  f  i  c i  e n c y   M  o t  o r
Electrical Motor cost per year*
Natural Gas cost per year*
*Based on average home use in Saskatchewan. Actual savings may vary according to
use. Electrical costs based on continuous operation of furnace motor during the winter.
Fuel rates as of August 1, 2010  Natural Gas  $0.2671 m3  Electric  $0.1061 kWh
08-10
Save up to $553 a year with an ENERGY
STAR qualified furnace with a brushless DC
motor. Not only will you realize natural gas
savings but electrical savings, too. High
efficiency motors operate efficiently and
economically under varying load conditions
while increasing the efficiency of your heating
and air conditioning system, resulting in
significant energy savings.  Your home will
have better air circulation, even temperature
distribution – plus reduced electrical costs.
How can I save more money?
One of the easiest ways to save energy and money is to install a programmable thermostat. You determine the settings for
your home and the programmable thermostat takes care of raising or lowering the temperature.
•  Clean or replace your furnace filter every 1-2 months. A dirty filter reduces airflow and forces the furnace to run
longer to heat your home.
•  Lower your thermostat by 4-5 degrees Celsius while you’re sleeping at night or when no one is at home.
•  Keep your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted with annual maintenance. If your furnace is working at
peak efficiency, it will use less energy and cost less to operate.

The above material is quoted directly from Saskenergy

When your old furnace is in need of replacement it is highly recommended that you should replace it with a high efficiency furnace, specifically a high efficiency condensing gas furnace of 90% to 97% efficiency. not only will you save greatly on your home heating bill but you will also cut down on the polluting gases which are emitted into the environment.
See our website for more information about high efficiency furnaces 

Is Your Gas Furnace Safe?

Natural gas is one of the commonly used home heating fuels at present. It is relatively low in cost, and safe in usage. There are however possible problems which can occur and the best way to avoid them is to properly maintain the heating system as is detailed in this report quoted from CSA International:

                                               

Gas Furnace Maintenance
   
    -   Keep warm air registers, return air openings, and space heaters or
        baseboards clear of furniture, rugs and drapes to allow free air
        movement.
    -   Do not store combustible materials such as paper, chemicals, paint,
        rags and cleaning products near your gas furnace.
    -   Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapours and liquids
        in the vicinity of your gas furnace.
    -   Ensure that there is a free flow of air to the furnace. Keep the area
        immediately around your furnace clear by removing any obstructions.
    -   Clean or replace your furnace filter frequently during the heating
        season.
    -   Have a qualified heating contractor perform a yearly maintenance
        check of your furnace and venting system.
    -   Any home that contains combustion appliances such as a gas furnace
        should have a CSA-certified carbon monoxide alarm installed according
        to the manufacturer's instructions. If you intend to purchase a new
        carbon monoxide alarm, be sure to look for one bearing the CSA
        Certification Flame mark and CSA 6.19-01 reference mark.

The above material is quoted from the  CSA International website - a recognised authority on the subject. CSA International provides product testing and certification for gas, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and other product,s which is recognized in Canada, U.S.A. and most other countries.

Gas furnace maintenance is crucial to efficient operation as well as to safety. It is largely a matter of common sense and should not be neglected or problems may arise. It is always wise to be very cautious if the smell of natural gas occurs in the home or if the CO2 detector sounds an alarm. Get out of the house and inform authorities immediately. For more information go to gas furnace prices or to high efficiency furnaces


                                                                 

The Three Types Of High Efficiency Gas Furnace

                                                         


There are three major types of gas furnace. These are 1. single stage furnace. 2. Two stage furnace. 3. Modulating furnace. The simplest of these and least expensive is the single stage furnace. This appliance also has the lowest AFUE rating and is usually 80% to 82% efficient. This is known as a medium efficiency furnace and is very commonly used in areas where winters are relatively mild and short. The two stage furnace and the modulating furnace are more complex in construction and as a result cost more. They have efficiency ratings of 90% up to 98% and use the least fuel to warm your home.

The high efficiency furnaces with their high AFUEs will save you the most on fuel costs. The other thing that must be considered however is the much higher initial cost. Will the extra investment be paid back in a reasonable time by the savings in your fuel bills?

A discussion of the three types of gas furnace is published in About.com and the following is quoted from that website:

Who cares about furnaces? As long as they stay quiet, remain out of the way, and do their job, most homeowners give them little thought.
Until it's December 21st and the furnace has taken its last breath and all the heating/cooling companies seem to be shut tight for the holidays. Then, your furnace gets an awful lot of thought.


Acquaint yourself with three major types of gas furnaces before the salesperson rolls up to your door. We have arranged the furnace types in order of efficiency (AFUE*) and cost, least efficient and lowest cost leading the way.


First, let's briefly discuss furnace efficiency. The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) measures the amount of fuel converted to space heat in proportion to the amount of fuel entering the furnace. This is commonly expressed as a percentage.


Single Stage Furnace


You've probably lived in a house with a single stage furnace. The gas flame is either on or off. Consequently, the furnace waits for the temperature in the house to get cold--often colder than comfortable--before firing on. Then, the furnace rams the house full of heat until the thermostat shuts the system down.
You're left with a lot of heat build-up, which is great if you're a "cold-blooded" person but bad for your energy bills. For a target of 72 degrees, actual temperatures in your house might range as low as 68 degrees and as high as 76 degrees. Single stage furnaces are the most wasteful in terms of energy, but they are the lowest cost to purchase.


Two-Stage or Dual-Stage Furnace


The two-stage furnace is a little smarter than the single stage furnace. Rather than a simple on/off operation, its flame can be on/high, on/low, or off.
Adding this second flame setting makes a dramatic difference in energy costs. Two stage furnaces are much quieter than single stage furnaces and slightly higher cost.


For a target of 72 degrees, actual temperatures in your house might range as low as 70 degrees and as high as 74 degrees.


Modulating Furnace


This furnace adjusts its flame incrementally so that the true temperature never varies more than 1 or 2 degrees from the thermostat's target temperature.
In terms of comfort, it's the most comfortable gas furnace you can buy because you avoid those long, cold periods (found in single and two stage furnaces) and high build-ups of heat when the furnace eventually responds.


In addition to a variable flame, the blower is variable according to demand.


For a target of 72 degrees, actual temperatures in your house might range as low as 71 degrees and as high as 73 degrees.


Modulating gas furnaces are among the most energy efficient furnaces and are rated at 98% efficiency. These are also the highest cost furnaces.


AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, according to EnergyStar, "measures the amount of fuel converted to space heat in proportion to the amount of fuel entering the furnace. This is commonly expressed as a percentage."

The above material is quoted from the About.com website and gives a good picture of the characteristics of the three different types of gas furnace. The extra comfort provided by a high efficiency two stage or modulating furnace is undoubtedly considerable. The lower quantities of polluting gases emitted into the atmosphere by high efficiency furnaces is another benefit well worth consideration. The final decision as to what type of gas furnace should be installed is of course a matter for the individual consumer to decide for himself. You will find more information at gas furnace prices and also at high efficiency furnaces