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Archive for February, 2010

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How to Save Energy!

Energy energy everywhere?  Maybe not as of recently…but there are some way to save energy!  Here are some tips from DTE:

  • Purchase a Programmable Thermostat-this thermostat will automatically turn down the heat in your home when you do not need it (for example-during the day when everyone in the house is at work or school).
  • Make sure your furnace is sized correctly- If the furnace is too small, it will not heat your home that well therefore you may turn it up really high & if it is too big-you may be spending more money buying and using it than necessary
  • High Efficiency Furnaces-Though high efficiency furnaces are more expensive to purchase than others, they will end up saving you both money and energy in the long run!
  • Turn down your thermostat-If you do not want to purchase a programmable thermostat, just turning down the temperature will also be effective.  According to DTE-every degree below 72 degrees brings down your heating bill by 3%!
  • Make sure vents are not blocked-though your heating vents may clash with your decor, it is important to keep them clear and uncovered.  Otherwise the heat will not be able to flow as easily throughout your home which will make your furnace have to work even harder!

Check out DTE’s website for more tips!

Contact Flame with any questions!  They will be able to help you out with many of these ideas and items such as programmable thermostats and high efficiency furnaces!

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Heating, Cooling and Electrical Permits

When you decide to purchase a new furnace or air conditioner and have it installed-you need a permit from the city you live in!  This can be a hassle, but do not worry-Flame will take care of it for you!  Therefore, when getting a new unit installed-all you have to worry about is answering the door when it comes! (Another reason to choose Flame!)

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Give Your House a Blanket: Attic Insulation

Though it seemed as if Spring was coming, this latest snow storm reminds us that Winter is still here.  That means that heating your home, heating bills, and worrying about heat loss are still concerns.  One fairly simple way to minimize these burdens is to put in insulation in your attic.

In general terms, insulating your attic basically means putting a “blanket” on the inside of your attic walls to help keep the cold air out, and the warm air in.  Even if you already have insulation, you still may want to check to see if you have enough. How?  Look at your attic at the floor joists.  These should be completely covered,  if they are not-you probably want more!

Attic Insulation can be “DIY” but if you do not have the time, or are worried you may not do the best job-don’t fret!  Flame Heating, Cooling and Electrical offers a BSI certified technician to do this task for you.  This technician will make sure that your attic is properly insulated and will help save you the most money possible through insulation.  Contact Flame with any questions.

Check out this Energy Star site for more info!

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A Bright Idea: Energy Efficient Lighting Systems

“Lights, Camera, Action!”  Well…just lights.  Lighting is a good way to save money and with the help of Flame and Clor Lighting Group you can do just that!  Flame can help you to install and set up energy efficient lighting systems throughout your home, that help both the planet and your wallet.  Think about it!

If you are worried about the cost of doing this to your home-remember that there will be savings, and also-that you can do some of this stuff yourself.  You can purchase energy efficiency light bulbs at stores such as Walmart for only about $20/bulb.  The important thing is that you take action anyway you can in order to save yourself money and also energy.  It’s a bright idea!

Contact Flame for more information!

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Sensor Lights: An Enlightening Idea

Sometimes when you are in a hurry you run out of the house without turning out the lights.  This doesn’t seem like too big of a deal until it happens daily…and then your electric bill comes.  However, there is a way to get to work (or something else) on time and still save energy/money, (and no the solution is not just to wake up earlier or start getting ready earlier).  There are sensored lights that can sense when you enter and leave a room and turn on and off accordingly.

Flame Heating Cooling and Electrical’s expert electricians can install these in your home and they are great for many reasons:

  • Saves you energy and therefore money-because you will not have to worry about lights staying on unnecessarily in your home
  • Perfect for rooms where the light switch is not near the entrance-you won’t have to walk across the room in the dark!
  • These lights are also GREAT for businesses, especially bathrooms-where people are constantly walking in and out of and probably do not even think to turn off the lights.

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WWJ Radiothon for THAW

This weekend at MGM Grand Detroit, WWJ Radio Station will be hosting a radiothon to support THAW (The Heat and Warmth Fund).  THAW helps to provide emergency heat/utility assistance to families who cannot afford it.  This is the 7th time that WWJ has held this “Winter Survival Radiothon” and it will be from 5 a.m. February 5, until 12 p.m. on February 6.

Flame Heating, Cooling and Electrical is proud to be a sponsor of this wonderful cause.  Many of us take heat for granted, especially in the Winter and so it is important to remember those who do not always have it.  If you can, I strongly encourage you to donate to this fund, but prayers and support for those in need are also equally important.  Check out the WWJ Website for more information about the Radiothon.

TO DONATE DURING THE RADIOTHON CALL:   1-888-579-4950

If you are interested in Flame’s participation in this Radiothon and its work with THAW (or if you are interested in anything else dealing with heating and cooling) Contact Flame

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Heating Alternatives to a Furnace

Let’s face it, some of us are just heating and cooling ignoramuses.  This is not a bad thing, some people are just more knowledgeable in other areas.  Anyways, if you are like I once was-you probably do not really know much about the process that goes into heating your home, which means you are also probably unaware to alternatives to regular furnaces.  Well, here are some to think about and their pros and cons:

  • Boiler:  Boilers use water that is heated in order to warm your home.  Typically they do not dry out your home as much as a normal furnace.  Boilers use aluminum fins and copper pipes in order to heat your home, but they do not take up as much room as the ductwork needed for a furnace.  Last but not least, it is considered to be more economical than a forced air furnace and it does not bring as many allergens.
  • Radiant Heat:  In general terms, radiant heat is simply heat under your floors or in your walls that heats your home.  In this way, especially if the heat comes from the floor-the heat is being transferred to the person instead of to the air.  Radiant Heat is great for additions so you do not have to worry about extending ductwork from your furnace.  Radiant heat can also be used in driveways and sidewalks (so you do not have to shovel).
  • Geothermal Heating:  Geothermal systems are initially more expensive than a regular furnace.  However, they are incredibly energy efficient so you earn back the money you spent.  These systems use the hot or cool temperatures from the ground to heat or cool your home.  Geothermal Systems are one of the “Greenest” ways you can go when heating your home!

Hopefully these short descriptions helped you to learn a little more about the technology and items that can be used to keep you toasty during the Winter!  Contact Flame for any questions!

Check out these Blogs:  Why Should You Consider a Boiler? or Radiant Heat

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