© probikershots.com

As we were getting our central heating system converted from electric to gas, I took the opportunity to talk to the installer about the systems. I was surprised to hear that older systems had a large margin of inefficiency. He said that this was known at the time, it's just that in other periods of our history, energy conservation-which would require systems that used energy more efficiently-wasn't perceived as a great concern. I asked the installer to point out some of the improvements in the new system as compared to how the old one worked. It was very interesting. I have to say it did make me want to shake my head at how things had been done before, and I reminded myself that the perspective was different back then. Nonetheless, such a degree of inefficiency was surprising. On an unexpected note, once they removed the old system, we noticed that parts of our linoleum floor from under the system looked so nice and bright, since it hadn't been exposed to wear and tear and sunlight, that it made us decide it was time to install new floors, too! We got right on that, with Empire Today, and from that process we also decided to get some Empire Carpet for elsewhere in the house. So be prepared if you're changing your heating system; you may feel the urge to renew your floors, too!

© nrdc_media

A Syracuse engineering firm has recommended that the city of Watertown, New York purchase a geothermal heating system to heat and cool City Hall and the neighboring library. The project would have a higher upfront cost then just replacing the aging HVAC multizone system with a more traditional one, but a geothermal system is expected to save the city over $18.000 a year in energy costs.

If the city decides to proceed with the project, a water-looping system would be installed to take advantage of constant temperatures 4 to 6 feet below ground to heat buildings in winter and cool them in summer. The annual savings from a geothermal system could rise significantly, up to $33,000 a year, if the city also proceeds with upgrades to windows, roofs and walls of both buildings.

© Ecnerwal

John Stock, a 75 year old resident of Bretton House has apparently raised a 50 name petition from all the angry residents who are unhappy with the new heating system upgraded by St Leger Homes at his estate around a month ago.
To upgrade the heating system, the old heating system in Stock's airing cupboard has been replaced by 2 copper pipes. It has become a nuisance for the old man as now it takes at least 3 days for the clothes to dry off. This has become a pain not only for Mr. Stock but for all other residents, thanks to the new heating system.
Therefore, it is easier for Mr. Stock to get the petition signed from all the distressed residents of the estate. This petition was given to Doncaster Central MP Rosie Winterton who was aware of the ongoing problem in the estate. She also sent a engineer to check upon the newly installed heating system.