Nothing enhances a new log or timber frame home like a beautiful hearth filled with a crackling fire. Whether you prefer a traditional or contemporary look or your fireplace serves as a main heating system or is mostly for looks, there are many options available to you. Here are some pros and cons for various fireplace options both in terms of looks and fuel sources.
Traditional Looks
Open Hearth Fireplace: The most traditional of hearths, this is probably what most people think of when they think of a roaring fire in a log home. Pros of this style would include its iconic look and the ambiance of a traditional fire. Also, you can design a fireplace in practically any style you like, from rustic stone and logs to sleek marble or granite. Cons of this style include the mess and work involved in cutting, stacking, and storing wood as well as cleaning up after your fire. Although a traditional fire can be beautiful, it isn’t the most economical, easy, clean, or efficient way to heat your home. There is a saying that wood warms you twice, once when you cut it, and once when you burn it!
Wood Burning Stove or Fireplace Insert: Today’s wood burning stoves and inserts provide the look and feel of a traditional fireplace but are 70% more efficient than those made 15-20 years ago. The myriad of styles , options, and price points make these fireplaces the most popular choice. The cons of using wood remain the same as above. The cost of fuel depends upon your location and the amount of effort you put into it.
Pellet Stoves and Inserts: Pellet stoves can burn hardwood or soft wood pellets and some are even able to burn corn, soybean, sunflower seeds, etc. making this a very eco-friendly heating option. Pellet stoves are extremely easy to use and cleaner than traditional wood burning fireplaces. The cons of using pellet stoves is that not all fuel sources are available in all areas and storing large quantities of corn, soybeans, sunflower seeds or other crop type fuels can invite unwanted critters into your timber frame home.
Contemporary Looks
Gas: Seventy percent of new fireplaces are gas fueled. Natural Gas or propane is a clean, safe, and efficient fuel. Gas fireplaces are rated as either decorative or heat producers. With several venting options, gas fireplaces are not constrained by a chimney as traditional fireplaces are, this opens up many unusual design options available. Although gas is considered a very safe option, it is still gas and when problems arise, sometimes they can be explosive and devastating.
Bio Fuels: These fuels such as a gel based ethanol do not require ventilation and are the cleanest burning option. These fireplaces can be placed anywhere which allows for a variety of design options many of which compliment the more modern/contemporary log or timber frame home. Ethanol provides more of an aesthetic experience rather than actually heating the room or home.
Let Greene Ridge Builders help you build your dream log home or timber frame home.
For more information on fireplaces and fuel options visit the Hearth, Patio, and Barbeque Association’s website at www.hpba.org.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
What’s the Best Way to Heat My Home?
By Timothy Sexton | January 22, 2009
From: www.articlesnatch.com
The upside of heating your new log home in America is that there is a dazzling array of different fuels available to make sure you don’t have to rely on blanket upon blanket during those long nights of bone chilling temperatures. Like so many other elements of life where choice is plentiful, however, the variety of home heating fuels can often inflict vertigo when it comes to deciding which heating fuel is the most efficient and inexpensive on the market. The choice becomes even more painful when it is revealed that each fuel has certain pros and cons.
Natural Gas
Natural gas is a natural choice for many homeowners, especially in the Northeast where it has been estimated that at least half the homes are heated by this particular fuel. There are many reasons why natural gas is preferred in a part of the country where the cold can almost be described as mean. The primary benefit comes with the efficiency of natural gas. Another big benefit is that natural gas can reach the home through lines rather than having to be stored on the grounds like propane. And users can use the power generated by natural gas to take warm showers and dry wet clothes. The cons of natural gas are literally explosive. Natural gas explosions in homes are not common but are not unheard of. More important for most homeowners is that natural gas comes with a monthly surcharge that is utterly independent of actual usage.
Electricity
Anyone who has ever had to clean out a dirty chimney can tell you right away one of the pros of this kind of power to heat a room. Electricity, which is the most common heat source in the southern U.S., is cleaner and safer than gas or oil. The ventilation and duct system is easier and cheaper to install and maintain than gas lines or oil tanks. It is even easier to control the temperature setting for individual rooms by adjusting the vents. Sounds pretty good, right? The problem is that electricity is not as efficient for heating a home as it is for cooling it, which is probably why you will find electricity used more in warmer climates than cold climates.
Oil
Heating a log home with oil is almost as efficient as using natural gas and far more efficient than using electricity. Oil trumps gas because it is far less likely to explode and leave the [log home] in a state of charred cinders than natural gas; it doesn’t introduce a carbon monoxide danger like with natural gas; and oil doesn’t necessitate a monthly charge like natural gas. So why do so many people prefer natural gas to home heating oil? One big disadvantage to using oil to stay warm is that oil must be stored on the premises. Among the other considerable cons that keep oil from being the king of heating fuels are the very high danger of ground water contamination and the potential for high temperature exhaust. The smell of oil may also be a consideration for some people.
Heat Pump
A heat pump, like electricity, is a much cleaner animal to deal with than natural gas, oil or any kind of fireplace. Unlike a standard electrical heating system, however, the heat pump is more efficient for heating purposes even though heat pumps are designed for more temperate climates. The reason is also the biggest drawback to the heat pump’s design. The lower the temperature falls outside the home, the less efficient the heat pump becomes. In fact, at roughly forty degrees, the heat pump begins to switch over to a backup program that is more akin to a standard electricity unit, ensuring that a heat pump is basically the log home heating unit of last resort for bitterly cold climates.
From: www.articlesnatch.com
The upside of heating your new log home in America is that there is a dazzling array of different fuels available to make sure you don’t have to rely on blanket upon blanket during those long nights of bone chilling temperatures. Like so many other elements of life where choice is plentiful, however, the variety of home heating fuels can often inflict vertigo when it comes to deciding which heating fuel is the most efficient and inexpensive on the market. The choice becomes even more painful when it is revealed that each fuel has certain pros and cons.
Natural Gas
Natural gas is a natural choice for many homeowners, especially in the Northeast where it has been estimated that at least half the homes are heated by this particular fuel. There are many reasons why natural gas is preferred in a part of the country where the cold can almost be described as mean. The primary benefit comes with the efficiency of natural gas. Another big benefit is that natural gas can reach the home through lines rather than having to be stored on the grounds like propane. And users can use the power generated by natural gas to take warm showers and dry wet clothes. The cons of natural gas are literally explosive. Natural gas explosions in homes are not common but are not unheard of. More important for most homeowners is that natural gas comes with a monthly surcharge that is utterly independent of actual usage.
Electricity
Anyone who has ever had to clean out a dirty chimney can tell you right away one of the pros of this kind of power to heat a room. Electricity, which is the most common heat source in the southern U.S., is cleaner and safer than gas or oil. The ventilation and duct system is easier and cheaper to install and maintain than gas lines or oil tanks. It is even easier to control the temperature setting for individual rooms by adjusting the vents. Sounds pretty good, right? The problem is that electricity is not as efficient for heating a home as it is for cooling it, which is probably why you will find electricity used more in warmer climates than cold climates.
Oil
Heating a log home with oil is almost as efficient as using natural gas and far more efficient than using electricity. Oil trumps gas because it is far less likely to explode and leave the [log home] in a state of charred cinders than natural gas; it doesn’t introduce a carbon monoxide danger like with natural gas; and oil doesn’t necessitate a monthly charge like natural gas. So why do so many people prefer natural gas to home heating oil? One big disadvantage to using oil to stay warm is that oil must be stored on the premises. Among the other considerable cons that keep oil from being the king of heating fuels are the very high danger of ground water contamination and the potential for high temperature exhaust. The smell of oil may also be a consideration for some people.
Heat Pump
A heat pump, like electricity, is a much cleaner animal to deal with than natural gas, oil or any kind of fireplace. Unlike a standard electrical heating system, however, the heat pump is more efficient for heating purposes even though heat pumps are designed for more temperate climates. The reason is also the biggest drawback to the heat pump’s design. The lower the temperature falls outside the home, the less efficient the heat pump becomes. In fact, at roughly forty degrees, the heat pump begins to switch over to a backup program that is more akin to a standard electricity unit, ensuring that a heat pump is basically the log home heating unit of last resort for bitterly cold climates.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Heat Pump Facts
As you plan and design your new log home, one of the things you will need to think about is how you will heat and cool your new home.
When you begin to consider your options for heating and cooling, think about the average high and low temperatures in your area for January and July (usually the coolest and hottest months of the year). You will want to chose systems that operate at peak efficiency for your climate. For example, electric heat pumps are very inefficient below 32 degrees F and usually need a gas or oil back-up for colder temperatures.
Electric Heat Pump
An electric heat pump (air-air) extracts heat from outdoor air and transfers it inside where it is distributed throughout the log home via ducts. In the summer, the heat pump extracts heat from inside the house and sends it outside. A heat pump’s effectiveness and efficiency is directly tied to how well insulated the duct system is. Ducts that have gaps, leak air, and are not well insulated (especially in attics, garages, and other un-insulated areas of the home) are going to reduce the efficiency of your heat pump. As mentioned above, a heat pump is not efficient when the outside air temperature drops below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit). If you live in an area that routinely experiences temperatures below freezing then you would need a back-up system such as an oil or gas furnace.
Geothermal Heat Pump
Geothermal heat pumps work in a similar manner to electric heat pumps in that they heat the air in winter and can cool the air in summer. However, instead of extracting heat from the outside air, a geothermal heat pump extracts heat from the ground. Only a few feet below the earth’s surface, the temperature below ground remains at a consistent temperature of about 55 degrees Fahrenheit year round. If the outside air temperature is 45 degrees F and the ground temp is 55, then a heat pump that extracts heat from the air is going to work harder than a heat pump that is extracting heat from the ground. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a geothermal heat pump can reach an efficiency of 300%-600% on the coldest of winter nights as opposed to traditional air-air heat pumps which only reach efficiencies of 175%-250% on cool days. Geothermal heat pumps can also be used to provide your home with an almost unlimited supply of hot water as well. As with traditional electric heat pumps, your geothermal heat pump is only as efficient as your duct work. Keep your ducts sealed tight and insulate them where appropriate. Your new log home will be cozy and snug.
If you are interested in learning more about your heating options for your new log home, log cabin, or timber frame home, contact the professionals at Greene Ridge Log Homes.
Next week we will discuss other heating options for your new log home. Think, oil/gas furnaces and boilers, solar heating, wood stoves, pellet stoves, etc.
When you begin to consider your options for heating and cooling, think about the average high and low temperatures in your area for January and July (usually the coolest and hottest months of the year). You will want to chose systems that operate at peak efficiency for your climate. For example, electric heat pumps are very inefficient below 32 degrees F and usually need a gas or oil back-up for colder temperatures.
Electric Heat Pump
An electric heat pump (air-air) extracts heat from outdoor air and transfers it inside where it is distributed throughout the log home via ducts. In the summer, the heat pump extracts heat from inside the house and sends it outside. A heat pump’s effectiveness and efficiency is directly tied to how well insulated the duct system is. Ducts that have gaps, leak air, and are not well insulated (especially in attics, garages, and other un-insulated areas of the home) are going to reduce the efficiency of your heat pump. As mentioned above, a heat pump is not efficient when the outside air temperature drops below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit). If you live in an area that routinely experiences temperatures below freezing then you would need a back-up system such as an oil or gas furnace.
Geothermal Heat Pump
Geothermal heat pumps work in a similar manner to electric heat pumps in that they heat the air in winter and can cool the air in summer. However, instead of extracting heat from the outside air, a geothermal heat pump extracts heat from the ground. Only a few feet below the earth’s surface, the temperature below ground remains at a consistent temperature of about 55 degrees Fahrenheit year round. If the outside air temperature is 45 degrees F and the ground temp is 55, then a heat pump that extracts heat from the air is going to work harder than a heat pump that is extracting heat from the ground. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a geothermal heat pump can reach an efficiency of 300%-600% on the coldest of winter nights as opposed to traditional air-air heat pumps which only reach efficiencies of 175%-250% on cool days. Geothermal heat pumps can also be used to provide your home with an almost unlimited supply of hot water as well. As with traditional electric heat pumps, your geothermal heat pump is only as efficient as your duct work. Keep your ducts sealed tight and insulate them where appropriate. Your new log home will be cozy and snug.
If you are interested in learning more about your heating options for your new log home, log cabin, or timber frame home, contact the professionals at Greene Ridge Log Homes.
Next week we will discuss other heating options for your new log home. Think, oil/gas furnaces and boilers, solar heating, wood stoves, pellet stoves, etc.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Advantages of a Log Home
Why chose a log home or timber frame home over a conventional home?
MONEY!
Now that I have your attention...In some cases, a log home can appraise 30% higher than its building costs. This is especially true for the DIY homeowner. The more you do yourself, the higher your percentage will be. This translates into instant equity in your new log home or timber frame home.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Log homes are known for their energy efficiency. Northern White Cedar has an R-value of 1.41 per inch which, when combined with its thermal mass factor, creates quite a cozy home. This translates to a log home being 15%-30% more energy efficient than a conventional home. Add energy star rated thermal windows and doors and your log home would be considered "energy star rated".
EASY TO DETECT INFESTATIONS
All homes are under constant attack from insects, mold, and other natural agents. Log homes are equally as likely as conventional homes to suffer infestation from insects or fungi, but, infestation is easier to detect in log homes. Northern White Cedar, which Greene Ridge Log Homes uses, is especially resistant to rot and decay. That's why cedar, untreated, is so often used for decks and outside furniture.
SUSTAINABLE BUILDING
The main building material in log homes and timber frame homes is a renewable resource, wood. Northern White Cedar is closely managed by the state of Maine. As trees are harvested for your log home, new ones are planted. Since the logs have such a high R-value, there is less need for using other materials such as insulation and drywall.
If you are interested in more reasons to build a log home or timber frame home, contact the professionals at Greene Ridge Log Homes.
MONEY!
Now that I have your attention...In some cases, a log home can appraise 30% higher than its building costs. This is especially true for the DIY homeowner. The more you do yourself, the higher your percentage will be. This translates into instant equity in your new log home or timber frame home.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Log homes are known for their energy efficiency. Northern White Cedar has an R-value of 1.41 per inch which, when combined with its thermal mass factor, creates quite a cozy home. This translates to a log home being 15%-30% more energy efficient than a conventional home. Add energy star rated thermal windows and doors and your log home would be considered "energy star rated".
EASY TO DETECT INFESTATIONS
All homes are under constant attack from insects, mold, and other natural agents. Log homes are equally as likely as conventional homes to suffer infestation from insects or fungi, but, infestation is easier to detect in log homes. Northern White Cedar, which Greene Ridge Log Homes uses, is especially resistant to rot and decay. That's why cedar, untreated, is so often used for decks and outside furniture.
SUSTAINABLE BUILDING
The main building material in log homes and timber frame homes is a renewable resource, wood. Northern White Cedar is closely managed by the state of Maine. As trees are harvested for your log home, new ones are planted. Since the logs have such a high R-value, there is less need for using other materials such as insulation and drywall.
If you are interested in more reasons to build a log home or timber frame home, contact the professionals at Greene Ridge Log Homes.
Friday, October 1, 2010
“Go Green” With Your New Log Home
Four Free or Inexpensive ways to “Go Green”
#1 What’s Your Green Motivation?
Analyze your motivation for going green. Are you going green for financial, health, or emotional reasons-or some combination thereof? Some “green” building solutions can be costly and may take 5-10 years to recoup your return on investment while others are inexpensive and you can reap the benefits immediately. Take time to think over your motivation and plan and prioritize what is important to you as you build your new log home.
#2 Green Positioning
Just placing and positioning your log home so you can benefit from passive solar heat can save you up to 40% on heating and cooling costs. Also, consider shade from existing trees when deciding where to build your log home. The cost is free and the economic and environmental benefits last a lifetime.
#3 Green Lighting
According to numerous studies, you are happier and healthier when exposed to daylight versus artificial light. When designing and positioning your new log home, you want to take advantage of natural light and let it in as much as possible. More natural light decreases your need for turning on the lights during the day which in turn decreases your electrical bill as well as your carbon footprint.
#4 Green Air
An energy efficient log home with equally energy efficient windows and doors can often trap stale air inside. Consider investing in an air-to-air heat exchanger. This mechanical system removes the stale air and replaces it with fresh air helping to reduce humidity, odors, pollutants, and stuffiness as well as reducing heating and cooling costs. For just under $1000 installed this can prevent plenty of doctor’s visits due to asthma and allergies as well as the cost of medication.
Whatever your motivation(s) for "Going Green" the professionals at Greene Ridge Log Homes and Greene Ridge Builders can help you design and build your "dream" "green" log home.
Adapted From: Timber Home Living: June 2007: “The Smart Way to Build” by Charles Bevier
#1 What’s Your Green Motivation?
Analyze your motivation for going green. Are you going green for financial, health, or emotional reasons-or some combination thereof? Some “green” building solutions can be costly and may take 5-10 years to recoup your return on investment while others are inexpensive and you can reap the benefits immediately. Take time to think over your motivation and plan and prioritize what is important to you as you build your new log home.
#2 Green Positioning
Just placing and positioning your log home so you can benefit from passive solar heat can save you up to 40% on heating and cooling costs. Also, consider shade from existing trees when deciding where to build your log home. The cost is free and the economic and environmental benefits last a lifetime.
#3 Green Lighting
According to numerous studies, you are happier and healthier when exposed to daylight versus artificial light. When designing and positioning your new log home, you want to take advantage of natural light and let it in as much as possible. More natural light decreases your need for turning on the lights during the day which in turn decreases your electrical bill as well as your carbon footprint.
#4 Green Air
An energy efficient log home with equally energy efficient windows and doors can often trap stale air inside. Consider investing in an air-to-air heat exchanger. This mechanical system removes the stale air and replaces it with fresh air helping to reduce humidity, odors, pollutants, and stuffiness as well as reducing heating and cooling costs. For just under $1000 installed this can prevent plenty of doctor’s visits due to asthma and allergies as well as the cost of medication.
Whatever your motivation(s) for "Going Green" the professionals at Greene Ridge Log Homes and Greene Ridge Builders can help you design and build your "dream" "green" log home.
Adapted From: Timber Home Living: June 2007: “The Smart Way to Build” by Charles Bevier
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