Alternative Heating Solutions for the 21st century and beyond
An information hub for alternative heating systems such as passive and active solar designs, low-emission stoves and geothermal systems.
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Since 2005, this site has grown quite a bit, and we could say that it has grown a bit out of control: over 300 pages, dozens of contributors, articles that are not always indexed in an optimal manner... the list goes on. That's why we recommend that first time visitors use the search field above - you will instantly get to see which pages of the site have your key words in them. That will certainly save you time!
Alternative-Heating.com was born out of a question: How high must heating oil prices climb before consumers demand change? The sharp rise in interest for alternative heating methods would suggest that we have reached that point. The time to look for smarter, cleaner ways to heat homes is now. With systems such as solar heating, geothermal heating and alternative stoves becoming more affordable and available, many are turning away from fossil fuels, and toward healthier, more dependable energy sources.
Solar heating systems can be either passive or active. Passive solar heating relies on building design to collect and hold sunlight. Passive solar homes have large, south-facing windows and thermal mass surfaces. Thermal mass is an absorptive material such as tile, concrete, or even water, which collects and stores heat for later use. The thermal mass can be incorporated into flooring or walls. Active solar heating systems consist of solar collectors, heat pumps, exchangers, storage tanks, and controls to gather, transfer, and disburse heat throughout a home, like in a parabolic solar steam boiler, for instance. Active systems rely on electricity to move the gathered heat from the solar collector through the home. Both alternative heating methods use a completely renewable source (the sun) to provide warm air and hot water to homes. No harmful emissions are produced, and significant monthly savings can be seen with implementation.
Geothermal residential heating systems use the Earth's heat as a source of warmth for homes. Because the temperature of the Earth remains constant just below the surface, underground piping can be installed with a fluid to absorb the heat. The fluid is then pumped into the home where a heat exchanger extracts the warmth, and a fan then distributes the heat throughout the home. This alternative heating method is extremely quiet, safe, and very efficient. Existing ductwork can be used, making this an ideal system to retrofit into any home. Like a solar heat system, the heat source for a geothermal heating system will never run out, and is readily available at any given time.
Alternative stoves using
corn, wood, and wood pellets have recently seen a huge rise in popularity as people seek alternative heating methods that can support local industry and that aren't imported from abroad. Wood and corn can be grown locally, and are a much more affordable commodity than heating oil, or even natural gas. Although many people install these stoves to supplement existing conventional heaters, often the alternative stove provides enough heat for the entire home. Many of these stoves are direct vent systems, meaning that no additional venting system or chimney is needed. One major advantage that alternative stoves offer is convenience. Because they range in size and capacity, a stove can be found to fit in most rooms of any home. The fuel is easily stored, and the stoves are effortlessly controlled with thermostats.
Competition among alternative heating companies is driving prices down, and making companies more motivated to please their customers. The federal government is even lending a hand, and offering certain tax credits for the purchase of solar heating systems, and geothermal systems as well. It is time to take advantage of the superior systems available, even if that means taking an unconventional approach at heating and cooling your home. Everyone stands to benefit.
Geothermal Energy Looks Promising in 2013 Today's Energy Solutions The past 12 months saw continued economic challenges for many American industries, including those in the renewable energy field, but the country's geothermal community witnessed a year of growth, both domestically and abroad. The Geothermal Energy ...
Geothermal's Big 12 Events of 2012 Greentech Media Hydroshearing, AltaRockEnergy hopes, will allow control of the seismic activity caused by Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) fracking. If it proves safety, ...
Laser drills could relight geothermal energy dreams - tech - 13 December 2012 … New Scientist It is these harder rocks that often hide the best sources of geothermal energy. Foro's intense laser beam heats hard rock surfaces so fast that thermal shock fractures the upper few millimetres, leaving a crumbled layer that a mechanical drill can ...
One pool of thought yields warm water Marlborough Express Totally tropical: Suburban School students have shown even kids can be innovative by warming their school pool with a solar heating panel made from ...
Home Remodeling and Improvement Center - Remodeling your home? How about looking at some home improvement ideas? Simply consult our free 5-step home remodeling guide for home remodeling plans and home improvement ideas.
As the cost of energy keeps rising, more and more individuals are looking for alternative home heating answers. Yet, what options are there for people?
An outdoor wood furnace can ensure your home stays toasty warm even during the coldest winter nights, but many would-be furnace owners find themselves confused to how the system works.
Contributors wanted to submit articles about alternative heating systems such as solar heating design, pellet, wood or corn stoves, and geothermal energy.
Gel fuel fireplaces and pellet stoves are two of the most popular alternative heating methods on the market today. Let's break down the pros and cons associated with each to help you decide.
These alternative heating sytems videos feature several methods that can be as alternative solutions to conventional heating systems relying on fossil fuels or electricity.
Stay up-to-date with alternative-heating.com content about passive and active solar designs, pellet stoves and other alternative stoves, and geothermal systems.