Two Important Reasons to Purchase a Hot Tub Cover

If you are considering buying a hot tub or you have just bought one then you really should consider getting a cover for it as soon as possible.

So, why do you need a cover?

Consider this - you have just purchased your hot tub and you have waited a number of hours for the water to heat to the correct temperature before you could use it for the first time. Wow! you've just tried it and you want to be able to use it whenever you want without having to wait for it to heat up again, right?

That's where you'll get the first benefit of having a hot tub cover.

Your hot tub cover will keep the heat in, keeping your hot tub at just the right temperature ready for when you next want to have a soak. Not only that but it will save you a ton of money on your energy bills because you won't have to keep re-heating the water, the heat is contained in the hot tub, where it belongs! Without a cover the heat will escape rapidly and you will rack up high bills trying to keep it at the optimal temperature.

Lets not forget the other big advantage of having a hot tub cover...

...keeping your hot tub clean.

Leaves, pine cones, insects and any other debris floating around can easily find it's way into your hot tub making the water dirty. A hot tub cover should be a real priority if you have trees in your yard. Would you want to get into a hot tub full of garden debris? So not only will your hot tub be cold it will be dirty as well - yeuch! Also this debris can clog up your water pump, which will turn your water brown and could leave you with an expensive repair bill.

One size does not fit all

Hopefully it goes without saying that you want your hot tub cover to fit your hot tub - you don't want any gaps where the precious heat can escape and the horrible debris can get in, so it must be a perfect fit.

Some hot tub professionals will come out to your house and take the measurements but if you can't find one that will do that then you will need to go to your dealer.
So, go prepared - take measurements and photographs to make sure you get exactly what you are after - a hot tub cover that fits!

So to sum up - a hot tub cover will keep your heat in and keep your bills down, keep out debris from your garden or elsewhere and keep your water clean.



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Improve Your Health with Hot Tubs

Anyone who has enjoyed a dip in a hot tub spa knows how relaxing it is. The heated, pulsating water helps to soothe tense, tired muscles and who doesn't suffer from muscle related problems these days? The tension throughout your body's muscles can result in more than just aches and pains which is why non-drug therapies such as hot tubs are worth considering. They are an effective way to stay relaxed and you can use them in them morning, noon and night.

The heated water in these hot tub spas helps to improve circulation by expanding veins and loosening tight tissues. Arthritis and migraine pain sufferers report satisfaction with the therapeutic effects of hot tub spas. This form of therapy is often better for their bodies than drug related therapies or surgery. Those who don't suffer from debilitating conditions should take note that such conditions usually develop over years and even decades. The endless wear and tear on joints, tendons, ligaments caused by tense, tight muscles can result in much pain and a reduction in the person's quality of life.

Muscle tension can even lead to psychological and emotional problems if left unchecked for many years. Sleep loss usually accompanies these problems and without adequate sleep, a person won't be able to function at, or feel their best. The growing use of massage services is testament to the healing power of muscle relaxation. However, a person masseuse over many years is an expensive proposition, although still a very helpful service.

Hot Tubs and Swim Spas are Popular

Hot tubs and swim spas are very popular today and their forerunners, hot spring pools, were very popular in centuries past. Those living near thermal heated hotsprings enjoyed the restorative power of the heated waters. Many of these springs had mineral waters coursing through them as well. Much has been researched and even written about mineral springs and their miraculous curative powers. Salt water (Epsom salts for instance) have been noted for their ability to cleanse the body of impurities. There is wide evidence that such waters can improve one's health.

You may not live close enough to a natural hot springs, such as those in Arkansas, Alberta, or even Iceland, but you don't need to travel anymore for the miracle hot springs experience. Home spa Hydrotherapy is readily available for anyone to enjoy. Most hot tub manufacturers have monthly payment options so you can easily manage the cost of a hot tub. Remember that these aren't just bath tubs. They incorporate a great deal of useful technology to make them maintenance free and a great asset to the quality of your life.

Hot Tub Technology

The manufacturer of hot tubs has come a very long way since the early days of hot water in a bath tub. Hot tub technology utilizes a large array of water nozzles (which you can change) to cover your body in streams of heated water. These advanced water distribution systems ensure water is delivered to where it's wanted by the users of the hot tubs. Tubs have seating from 2 persons to 12 or more. Advanced hot tub technology systems allow users to shape the jet sprays anyway they want.

The seats in hot tubs are equipped with jet spray nozzles where the water enters the tub. This powerful torrent can be sprayed in a wide dispersed manner or a single powerful stream. The hottub user can sit in place or move their aching arms and legs across the jet stream to mimic a massage. Built into most jet stream systems is an intermittent regulation of the water flow, so that a pulsating effect is experienced by the person. Even without the jet water action, simply soaking in the heated water will relax muscles. The key is that people can choose the type of hot tub experience they feel comfortable with.

Energy efficiency is a priority with some hot tub manufacturers. Special plumbing, air chambers, and high density insulation multiplies the heat retention capability of these hot tub spas. Top systems use scientifically engineered, thermal lock systems where heat is retained inside the tub, and insulated from loss into the outside environment. Very little power is used throughout the day. Hot tub covers are also specially designed to reduce energy loss offer an added measure of heat loss reduction when the tub isn't being used.

Hot tub spas come in a range of styles and sizes. The number of seats varies and the number of water nozzles and seat depths vary in units as well. A hot tub is going to be a long term investment for you and your family. You'll be wise to purchase a product with a good warranty, excellent energy efficiency, and with a number of seats so that you can have friends and visiting family members enjoy what is very relaxing activity. Your visitors will appreciate it and you'll enjoy your time together more completely. Even if they are spared the pain of their arthritis or other affliction for a short time, you're bound to see a smile on their face for a while.


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Purchasing the Best Hot Tub

There are many people who have dreams of adding a great hot tub to their home. While some people may think that having a hot tub is a sign of living in luxury, there are other people who feel they just can't go through the day without spending some time in their hot tub. Purchasing a hot tub that perfectly meets all of your needs is quite a challenge and there are a variety of things to keep in mind when you are trying to find a great hot tub to purchase. The following are a few tips to keep in mind when buying a hot tub of your own.

Tip #1 - Consider the Purpose of the Tub - It is important to figure out if you are just purchasing the tub for some relaxation or if you want to have some family fun in the hot tub. If you just want to relax in the tub, then one that seats one person may be okay. However, if you plan on having family time in the hot tub, you'll need to have one that can hold at least four people at once. Also, be sure that you take into consideration the space that you have for this tub.

Tip #2 - Consider the Comfort Level - When you are purchasing a hot tub, you want to be sure to get one that is nice and comfortable. There are some hot tubs that are made to contour to the form of a body. If you plan on spending quite a bit of time in the tub you'll want to be sure that you are comfortable. If possible, make sure to try the tub out before you purchased it and make sure you feel comfortable and you have enough room.

Tip #3 - Take the Features into Consideration - There are a variety of different features that can come with hot tubs and you'll need to be aware of them. Look into swivel seats, cooling seats, water capacity, and even insulation. Take into consideration all of the features that the tub has and compare the features with other tubs you are considering to be sure you pick the right one for you.

Tip #4 - Price Concerns - More than likely you will want to consider the price of the hot tub quite carefully. While you want to be sure that you get a great deal, you also want to be sure that you get a quality hot tub. If you are not sure about a price, consider comparing a few different places to make sure that you get the best possible price.

So, keep these simple tips in mind when you are looking for the perfect hot tub. You'll be sure to get one that will be perfect for your individual needs.



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Purchasing the Best Hot Tub

There are many people who have dreams of adding a great hot tub to their home. While some people may think that having a hot tub is a sign of living in luxury, there are other people who feel they just can't go through the day without spending some time in their hot tub. Purchasing a hot tub that perfectly meets all of your needs is quite a challenge and there are a variety of things to keep in mind when you are trying to find a great hot tub to purchase. The following are a few tips to keep in mind when buying a hot tub of your own.

Tip #1 - Consider the Purpose of the Tub - It is important to figure out if you are just purchasing the tub for some relaxation or if you want to have some family fun in the hot tub. If you just want to relax in the tub, then one that seats one person may be okay. However, if you plan on having family time in the hot tub, you'll need to have one that can hold at least four people at once. Also, be sure that you take into consideration the space that you have for this tub.

Tip #2 - Consider the Comfort Level - When you are purchasing a hot tub, you want to be sure to get one that is nice and comfortable. There are some hot tubs that are made to contour to the form of a body. If you plan on spending quite a bit of time in the tub you'll want to be sure that you are comfortable. If possible, make sure to try the tub out before you purchased it and make sure you feel comfortable and you have enough room.

Tip #3 - Take the Features into Consideration - There are a variety of different features that can come with hot tubs and you'll need to be aware of them. Look into swivel seats, cooling seats, water capacity, and even insulation. Take into consideration all of the features that the tub has and compare the features with other tubs you are considering to be sure you pick the right one for you.

Tip #4 - Price Concerns - More than likely you will want to consider the price of the hot tub quite carefully. While you want to be sure that you get a great deal, you also want to be sure that you get a quality hot tub. If you are not sure about a price, consider comparing a few different places to make sure that you get the best possible price.

So, keep these simple tips in mind when you are looking for the perfect hot tub. You'll be sure to get one that will be perfect for your individual needs.



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Hot Tub Cover - Essential Accessory For Your Hot Tub

Hot tubs have become more and more popular nowadays as a great way to unwind and relax at home, and more and more people are installing hot tubs in their homes. Not only can you enjoy soaking in the hot tub, you can also gain some great health benefits. You can soak your trouble and stress away as the hot water helps relieve the tension in your aching body. You can also do simple water exercise or water aerobics in your hot tub, which is a safe and effective way of exercising and staying in shape.

Hot tubs are generally made from cedar, redwood and teak, and can accommodate as little as one and up to more than ten people. When making your purchase, make sure to buy your hot tub from a reputable hot tub manufacturer. As long as the hot tub manufacturer has a good track record is the best guarantee of quality and service.

There is a wide range of hot tub models for you to choose from, such as the portable hot tub or home spa, You will be faced with a diverse array of hot tub features, designs, specifications and accessories so it is a good idea to arm yourself with some basic knowledge on hot tubs before you decide on your model preference. The internet is a great place to search for useful information on hot tubs and the different hot tub models available on the market. Cost is an important consideration too when you decide to buy a hot tub, which depends on the construction, size and features of the spa you select. You should also find out the operating cost of the hot tub.

Once you have installed your hot tub at home, make sure to maintain it in good working condition as it is not a cheap investment. Most hot tubs should come with a hot tub cover as this is an essential and useful hot tub accessory to have. Hot tub covers help to keep litter and impurities out of the water. A hot tub without a cover may also be hazardous as younger children or pets may accidentally fall into the hot water. Hot tub covers also help retain heat in the hot tub, thereby lowering your heating bills.

It is important that you purchase a good quality hot tub cover. Make sure that your hot tub cover is sturdy and durable so that it can be used for many years to come. Also check that your hot tub cover is the right size and fits securely over your hot tub. Having a hot tub cover that fixes securely also helps in keeping impurities and litter out of the hot tub, and also traps the heat helping keep the water nice and hot.

After prolonged use, your hot tub cover may become waterlogged and ineffective. When this happens, the cover cannot insulate the heat very well. In that situation, it may be time to get a new cover. Understand that a hot tub cover can also become worn and wrinkled where it has been folded and unfolded once too many times. A wrinkle in your hot tub cover may also allow more heat to escape, so that it is no longer effective as insulation.



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Let's Look At The Different Types of Hot Tub Heaters

This article looks at the different types of hot tub heaters available on the market and why you might need a hot tub heater in order to help you make an informed decision.

There are different types of hot tub heaters to choose from, whether you want one for your indoor or outdoor hot tub or indeed for your home spa, you will need to decide which is the best type for you, for example if you use your hot tub a lot then a gas hot tub heater would be a wise investment.

With an outdoor hot tub you want to make sure that you have your hot tub at a lovely temperature all year round, there would be nothing worse than tepid water in the middle of winter!

So what are the different types of hot tub heaters?

The three most popular ones are:

> Wood burning hot tub heaters

> Gas or propane hot tub heaters

> Electric hot tub heaters

As each has its plus and minus points you will have to decide which would suit you best and therefore you will find a more detailed explanation below to help you:

Wood Burning Hot Tub Heaters

The big advantage of wood burning hot tub heaters is that you will not need a circulating pump or electricity for your hot tub. This is because the heating of the water creates a natural pumping action. Obviously using a wood burning heater requires a bit of preparation rather than just flicking the switch for the electricity but the water heats quickly and it is far more economical than using electricity or gas. These type of heaters need to be installed on a separate plinth next to your tub.

Gas and Propane Hot Tub Heaters

These type of hot tub heaters are cheaper to run than electric heaters and are your best choice if you do not have electricity available and you want instant heating. They will heat your tub much faster than an electric heater. If you need to heat your hot tub frequently during cold weather this would probably be your hot tub heater of choice.

Electric hot tub heaters

If you buy a hot tub package chances are that it will automatically come with an electric heater. However, as you have already read there are different hot tub heaters available and if you haven't already purchased your hot tub you may want to shop around. Electric hot tub heaters hook up to your 110/220V domestic supply and are contained within the hot tub itself. So they are convenient and easy to fix if you have any problems, but you may find them expensive to use.

We have looked at three kinds of hot tub heaters and the advantages and disadvantages and you should now know which will be the best for you. Happy hot tubbing!



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Cheap Hot Tubs But High Quality Hot Tubs

The internet is now an ideal place to find companies that are able to offer you competently priced hot tubs due to their overheads being a lot less as many of them do not have showrooms.

The internet can be a perfect place to purchase a cheap hot tub instead of from a hot tub dealer's showroom, but be careful with internet hot tub retailers as they might not be genuine, they could be selling poor quality hot tubs or not be around in the future to support you with warranty problems or spare parts like filters. The best way to find a genuine and reliable hot tub dealer is to see if they are part of BISHTA (British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association), this is a hot tub association that makes sure all hot tub dealers are keeping to the correct laws and make sure they are providing customers with safe information as well as good service to their customers.

With regards to hot tubs, there are many companies out there trying to get you to buy their tubs with prices ranging for £1,000 up to £15,000 and the price you pay does affect the quality of the product slightly, as the more expensive ones will be a lot larger tub as well as having additional accessories like, TV, and sound systems built in.
Many people would love a sound system in the hot tub as well TV but many can not afforded these luxuries and therefore looking for a cheap hot tubs. Cheap hot tub does not mean they are poor quality they will just not have all the luxury extra item with them.

A big expensive of a hot tub is the time and cost of manufacturing the actual hot tub shell, many of these are make from acrylic and fibre glass, but there are now a new and much cheaper way of manufacturing a hot tub shell by using rotational moulding, this is a much quicker process and therefore being down the manufacturing costs of hot tubs, therefore manufactures can sell cheap hot tubs. . Even thought these hot tub are cheap they still using the same quality parts as the expensive manufactures put in there hot tubs.

When comparing hot tubs it is recommended to ask the hot tub dealer what the name of the parts manufacture as there are only a few manufacture of good quality hot tubs parts. If they are able to tell you what parts are in the hot tub they should be good quality and a reliable hot tub parts manufacture. If there is dealer does not know the name of what parts are used in their hot tub or it's a name you have not heard of it best to keep clear of their particular tubs.
So if you see a hot tub with the same parts in the tub but with a difference price tag it just means that the dealer is making more money usually.

Some hot tub can seem like they are very cheap to purchase but its always recommend to find out what the running costs are as its better to get a well insulated hot tub with more efficient parts which will save you money in the long run. It is also worth inquiring on what type of insulation they have as some cheap hot tub will have none, and therefore cost more to run but some other cheap hot tubs are well insulated and will be cheaper to run.

A perfect opportunity to pick up a hot tub bargain is during the sales. Many hot tub dealers will have a Hot tub sale at the end of the year and also a Hot tub sale beginning of the year; this is to clear old models before the new stock arrives,

Winter is the perfect time to purchase a hot tub as most people prefer using the hot tub when the weather is cold outside and the hot tub is all warm and bubbling so why not pick up a hot tub sale in winter and then hope for snow so you can relax in the hot tub with snow all around you.



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Memorial Day

Top tips for wood-burning stoves

A wood burner should start saving you money straightaway by reducing the need to have the heating on.

Snuggling up in front of a real fire is what winter is all about, but a wood-burning stove is often better than an open fire. Here are our top-five tips for installing and using wood-burning stoves

1. As great as open fires are in many ways, they are not very energy efficient, at only around 20%. Wood-burning stoves are much more efficient, at around 70-90%, so you get all the benefits of a real fire without most of your money going up in smoke.

2. As well as the wood burner itself, remember to factor in the cost of installation, accessories and any necessary building work. However, your wood burner should start saving you money straightaway by reducing the need to have the heating on. If your home has an open-plan layout, or you keep the internal doors open so the stove does more than just heat the room it’s in, you should save more on heating costs.

3. The installation of a wood burner must comply with building regulations, and the easiest way to do this is to use a qualified fitter. HETAS-registered installers deal with wood, solid-fuel and biomass domestic heating appliances and can self-certify that their work complies with building regulations, so it’s safe and legal.

4. The chimney may need to be lined before the wood burner can be installed. Homes dating from the mid-1960s onwards should have had a concrete or clay chimney liner fitted when they were built, but get a qualified installer to check out the chimney, whatever the age of your home. There are lots of benefits to having a chimney lined, including better energy efficiency.



5. Wood (as long as it’s sustainably sourced) is a more environmentally friendly fuel than oil or gas – and subject to fewer price rises. Freshly cut wood contains a lot of water, so you have to dry it out (season it) before you can burn it. This can take as long as three years. You can buy wood that’s already seasoned, or you can season it yourself,

using a log store – if air can circulate around the logs, they should dry out. And it’s not just wood – with a multi-fuel stove, you can also burn fuels like coal, smokeless fuel, peat and turf (depending on any smoke-control restrictions in your

area).



Source: https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/lifestyle/home/478840/top-five-tips-wood-burning-stoves/



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The 7 best hot tub scenes in movie history

rocket mass heaters in a nutshell

• 
  


• heat your home with 80% to 90% less wood


• 
  


• exhaust is nearly pure steam and CO2 (a little smoke at the beginning)


• 
  


• the heat from one fire can last for days


• 
  


• you can build one in a day or two


• 
  


• folks have built them spending less than $20


• 
  

The verbose details on rocket mass heaters

This could be the cleanest and most sustainable way to heat a conventional home. Some people have reported that they heat their home with nothing more than the dead branches that fall off the trees in their yard. And they burn so clean, that a lot of sneaky people are using them illegally, in cities, without detection.



When somebody first told me about rocket mass heaters, none of it made sense. The fire burns sideways? No smoke? If a conventional wood stove is 75% efficient, doesn't that mean the most wood you could possibly save is something like 25%? How do you have a big hole right over the fire and not have the house fill with smoke? I was skeptical.



And then I saw one in action. The fire really does burn sideways. The exhaust is near room temperature - and very clean. The smoke doesn't come back up because a huge amount of air is getting sucked into the wood hole. Neat! I sat on one that had not had a fire in it for 24 hours - it was still hot!



How it works:







The sticks stand straight up. Only the bottom ends of the sticks burn. The fire burns sideways. Since the heat riser is insulated, it gets freaky hot. This causes a strong convective current. When the hot gasses hit the barrel, it gives off a lot of heat, which cools the gasses which get much smaller and easier to push around. The gasses that exit are usually just carbon dioxide and steam.



The real magic happens with the heat riser. The strong convective current is what makes the air get sucked in through the wood feed so that the fire burns sideways and the smoke doesn't come out. It is also the place where it gets so hot that all of the smoke is burned.







Above is a much better image showing the mighty power of the insulated heat riser, reburning the smoke and powering the whole system.



The first picture below represents the most thorough rocket mass heater design I have ever seen. Followed by the rocket mass heater that was created from that design. These are both the products of the leaders in rocket mass heater innovation, Ernie and Erica Wisner, who have built more than 700 rocket mass heaters.



Source: http://www.richsoil.com/rocket-stove-mass-heater.jsp



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from energyhouse http://energyhouse.livejournal.com/36948.html

Modern Hot Tubs

What You Need to Know About Space Heaters

Cold weather means a quest to find warmth, and for many people this winter, that means a space heater.



"A space heater is a relatively efficient way to heat small rooms or large rooms," said Josh Leppek, General Manager of a Lansing Menards. "It's a supplementary heat, as opposed to running your furnace or pellet stove, wood stove."



And walking through the aisles of Menards, it's easy to believe there is a space heater for everyone. They come in all shapes, sizes and strengths.



The heaters can warm an area ranging from a small office to the first floor of a home, Leppek said. The trick can be finding the right heater for you.



"First we would ask what size of area they're looking to heat and then go from there," said Leppek. "A lot of the information is on the box and we can always help qualify people from there."



Most modern heaters have a feature where they automatically turn off when tipped over.



But space heaters, if used incorrectly, can be dangerous. According to the U.S. Consumer Public Safety Commission, space heaters cause 25,000 fires a year, resulting in 6,000 injuries and 300 deaths.



"You've gotta make sure you have the right one for your house," said Brian Ball, chief of the Delhi Twp. Fire Department. "Bigger isn't always better. You want one that is going to heat your house but let's not go overboard."



Ball says the "lion's share" of fires in Delhi are caused by the use -- or misuse -- of space heaters.



He says it's important to turn off your space heater when you leave or before you go to bed. And when the heater is on, it's important to leave space between it and any other objects in the room.



"We've gotta make sure we have a three-foot area around and that is not only for the combustible stuff, but also a safety area for kids," said Ball. "We don't want kids to get too close and get burned by a space heater either."



Here are some other tips from local fire departments:



Plug your heater directly into an outlet, not into an extension cord



Look for cracked, frayed or broken plugs or loose connections. Replace before using.



Have your chimney cleaned by a licensed, professional chimney sweep



Keep a safety screen on your fireplace at all times



Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors



Have a safety escape plan



Source: http://www.jrn.com/fox47news/news/What-You-Need-to-Know-About-Space-Heaters-287780181.html



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from energyhouse http://energyhouse.livejournal.com/36607.html

Top notch! CRANE transformed into luxury hotel with hot tub and rotating suites

You'll have to crane your neck to catch sight of this quirky hotel's penthouse suite, which is built it into one of the world's oldest and tallest mechanical structures.



The luxury crane hotel in Amsterdam features three plush hotel suites a hot tub with breathtaking views, for holiday makers who like to get high on vacation.



The towering 50-metre structure located in the famous Dutch city offers luxury accommodation for the more adventurous traveller.




It is built in one of the world's oldest and highest cranes that was doomed for decay after being branded 'impossible' to develop.



But an ambitious developer has transformed it into a haven of tranquillity and just three years later, the crane is hosting elite guests for its swanky rotating suites decked out by a top team of interior designers and its panoramic-view pool, now called The hotel Faralda in Amsterdam.



The 250-ton crane, rising from the ground at the hip NDSM site on the River Ij's banks, was saved despite the creation of the hotel being dismissed as 'technically impossible', according to its spokesman Edwin Kornmann Rudi.



Mr Rudi said: "But after years of preparation there was a point of no return. Nowhere else in the world is there something as unique, as big and high as this hotel.



"This has put an end to the fight against the decline of the historic harbour crane.



"The Grand Dame has finally reached her destination as the most extravagant Crane Hotel in the world.



"It is also the most talked about wedding location in the Netherlands. We've had people getting married in the studio, sleeping in one of the three suites and having their wedding night start in the hot tub at the top of the crane."



Alongside deluxe dining and sumptuous suites, the steel colossus also boasts a private business club where internationally oriented companies and stakeholders to use the crane for all sorts of sessions.



The suites are the most expensive in the Netherlands after developers splurged £660,000 building EACH room, setting customers back by £340 each.



The crane also boasts a TV studio which is used for high-profile television and music productions, measuring 15-square metres and hosting guests for fancy corporate parties.



The engineering marvel was constructed by hundreds of companies and manufacturers in the Dutch city making a joint effort to turn scrap metal into Savoy-style suites.



Architects say the crane still moves in the wind and is fitted with a thrust bearing made of gold - which allows the suites to rotate.



New foundations were built to withstand the weight of the beast-like structure after the quay of the old wharf was not strong enough.



So if you fancy a holiday that is top notch why not chill out in a plush room in the sky.



Source: http://www.dailystar.co.uk/travel/adventure/418746/Crane-hotel-Amsterdam-quirky-unusual



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from energyhouse http://energyhouse.livejournal.com/36198.html

Happy New Year 2015!

from energyhouse http://energyhouse.livejournal.com/35965.html

Merry Christmas!

from energyhouse http://energyhouse.livejournal.com/35665.html

Pellet stove savings will warm your heart

Chris Morris paid $2,800 for her pellet stove, seen here in the great room.


WINDHAM, NH. — I have three babies. Two of them are children. One of them is a pellet stove. I love them all.



And while I probably would not throw myself in front of a train to save my pellet stove, I do feed it, clean it, and tend to it as if it were my offspring. And in return, it fills me with a warm feeling, just like my actual offspring do.



Having a pellet stove is a labor of love, much like parenting. And the effort is oh-so worth it.



She puts a 40-pound bag of pellets into the hopper at night and another in the morning.

CHRIS MORRIS/GLOBE STAFF



Morris puts a 40-pound bag of pellets into the hopper at night and another in the morning.



Here’s why: Until three years ago, we were spending scary amounts of money to heat our 1860s farmhouse. The oil-burning furnace would be running, but we were still having to bundle up. Fleece became a second skin. That’s because if we set the thermostat above 62 degrees, the 250-gallon oil tank would run dry in less than a month. Most years, it was costing us $850-$900 a month to be cold — not to mention broke. Our windows aren’t old and drafty, the house is. And after adding more insulation wherever we could, and doing all manner of boiler maintenance, we came to the realization that nothing was going to make this great old 2,800-square-foot house we love so much feel tight, at least not without a major renovation and an overhaul of our heating system. And those things just weren’t in the cards.

Morris puts a 40-pound bag of pellets into the hopper at night and another in the morning.



We knew we needed to do something. We couldn’t afford not to. So after doing some pretty extensive research, we decided to invest in a pellet stove. It was one of the wisest decisions we’ve made as homeowners. The benefits are great and many, and apparently, we aren’t the only ones who have figured that out.



Jessica Boothe, director of research at the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association , which tracks shipments of stoves, tells me that in part because of last year’s very long and cold winter, her agency is seeing a 9 percent increase in all hearth shipments in the United States over this time last year, including more than 45,000 pellet stoves. That’s a whopping 80 percent increase in pellet stove shipments over 2013. And many of them are headed to the Northeast.



It’s not hard to understand why. A 40-pound bag of pellets in our corner of southern New Hampshire sells for between $4.75 and $8, depending on whether we’re picking it up at a home improvement warehouse or at the cool grain-and-feed shop in the next town over. On the coldest days of winter, we go through one and a half to two bags of pellets, so we’re heating the house for about $10 per day. Compare that with the days we were paying $900 per month for oil. That’s $30 a day. We still use oil for our hot water and to heat a bedroom, bathroom, and hallway that are out of the stove’s reach, but we are now able to make a tank last two months in the coldest part of the winter. Running the stove has added about $20 to our electric bill, in part because it uses electricity and because we keep an overhead fan going to circulate the warm air.



The initial investment was significant. We paid about $2,800 for our stove, which we picked for many reasons. For one, its heating capacity is 2,500 square feet. That’s the largest we found. The reviews were favorable, and we were wooed by the look of its “sleek European design.” It has a big hopper — capable of holding 70 pounds of pellets — and the stove was available as an insert, meaning we could use it in our existing fireplace and not as a freestanding unit we’d have to vent outside. We also paid $750 to have it assembled and installed, but this is our third winter with our stove, and it is well on its way to paying for itself.



Another for the pro column: It’s green. Pellets are made of wood, a renewable source, and have high combustion and heating efficiencies, which means they produce very little air pollution. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency says they are the cleanest of any residential heating appliances that burn solid fuel. The pellets are generally made of sawdust from lumberyards and sawmills, or the unused tops of trees that are cut down for logging, so they’re a recycled and reclaimed product. Not only are we feeling toasty now, we can also toast our environmental do-goodism.



Speaking of toasty, pellet stoves give off “a nice heat” — a phrase I never understood or used, for that matter, until we installed our stove. It does feel nice. It’s comfortable, not dry like wood stove and fireplace heat can sometimes feel.



Here’s another plus: There’s little hassle. We have a woodstove in the living room — which we don’t use as much as the great room, where the pellet stove is — and, while we like to run it when we’re home on the weekends, it’s a lot of work. There’s the lugging in of wood, emptying out the ash pan, getting the fire going and keeping it going, restocking the wood, stacking the wood, and so on. With the pellet stove, there’s less maintenance. When it’s very cold out and we are running the stove at a level 4 out of 5, we empty one 40-pound bag of pellets into the hopper at night and another in the morning. Once or twice a week, we shut down the stove for a couple of hours to let it cool, vacuum out the ash, and start the stove up again. That’s it. We don’t even need a fancy ash vacuum. A wet/dry vac works just fine. And while the amount of creosote buildup in a pellet stove is minimal, it is still widely recommended that a professional inspect and, if necessary, clean your stove and flue (if you use one to vent your stove) annually.



Downsides? From where I stand, all warm and happy by the pellet stove, I can’t see that there are many disadvantages. But there are some obstacles.



Personally, I found it hard to get used to leaving the house with a fire going. As someone who gets panicky about whether the iron was left on, I had a hard time believing the installer who told me that if anything malfunctioned, the stove’s circuit board would automatically shut it off, and the fire would die out almost immediately. Set it at 2 or 3 when you are going out, he said, and everything will be fine when you get back. Turns out he was right.



Another con? Those 40 pound bags. They’re about the size of mulch bags, but they feel heavier. I’m used to lifting heavy objects (Remember my pellet stove’s siblings?), so hoisting and stacking the bags doesn’t bother me, but I might feel differently when I’m 80. Until one gets a system down, pouring the pellets into the hopper can be tricky and awkward.



There’s also the matter of finding a place to store pellets. They need to be kept in a dry place. We’re lucky enough to have room in our garage, but storage might be a problem for others.



Perhaps the most worrisome issue for pellet stove owners is supply. As last winter dragged on, and as more people installed pellet stoves in their homes, finding bags of pellets anywhere became difficult, if not impossible. The shortage was all over the news, and my husband was among hundreds of customers that stalked the big trucks hauling pellets from Canada.



David Nydam, CEO of woodpellets.com , based in Bedford, N.H., said the shortage was caused by a number of factors. “Typically, many suppliers stop carrying pellets come late winter, early spring,” but last year, the winter dragged on, and people who thought they had what they needed for pellets realized they needed more.



And on top of that, US suppliers are shipping more and more pellets overseas. Wood pellet exports from the United States nearly doubled last year, according to the US Energy Information Administration . More than 98 percent of the exports were sent to Europe, where pellet fuel is a popular choice.



Bob LaFlamme, who owns Crowley Fuel in North Brookfield, Mass., and who writes a blog called “Fuel for Thought ,” said supply remains an issue this year because “there’s concern there will be another long, cold winter.” People are stocking up.



LaFlamme’s business is heating oil and wood pellets, but he’s been selling pellets for only a few years. In that time, he’s seen pellet use rise steadily. “It used to be 5 percent pellets. Now 20 percent of our business is pellets. And it easily could have been 30 to 40 percent pellets last year” if he had the supply to sell.



The good news is oil costs are down so far this winter, so people might be feeling less pressure to scarf up all available pellets. And, according to Jennifer Hedrick, executive director of the Pellet Fuels Institute in Arlington, Va., efforts are underway to avoid a repeat of what LaFlamme dubbed “The Great Wood Pellet Shortage of 2014.”



“We have companies in the West that are helping in the effort to meet market demand in the Northeast,” Hedrick said.



Thank you, friends in the West. Your help means we will be able to continue to feed our big steel baby this winter, keep our other babies warm, and have some money left for Christmas presents — which will be opened in a warm house. Now that’s worth a toast.



Source: http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/real-estate/2014/12/14/pellet-stoves-hunks-burnin-love/Kwi9JVJoPIBbonScoRSXpO/story.html



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from energyhouse http://energyhouse.livejournal.com/35429.html

Check Out The New Midtown Spa With A Rooftop Hot Tub, Swim-Up Bar, And 'Sauna Valley'

MIDTOWN EAST — Colorful pools, an igloo sauna and rooftop hot tubs are just a few of the amenities New Yorkers can expect when Spa Castle opens its new Manhattan location later this month.



Premier 57, Spa Castle's 39,000-square-foot outpost at 115 E. 57th St., opened its doors to press on Thursday, offering a full tour of the three-story spa, featuring a floor dedicated to sauna rooms, a salad and juice bar, and rooftop pools.



The spa was originally slated to launch in November, but the openinghas been pushed back to the end of December, according to Spa Castle spokeswoman Christie High.



"It took a little more time to get everything set up," High said.



Admission costs $65 per person and includes access to the pools, sauna rooms, lounges and communal areas like the poolside aqua bar.




While the existing Spa Castle in College Point, Queens, is open to children, the Midtown location is limited to those over 16 years old, High said.



The ninth floor is made up of the "sauna valley," which includes a meditation room, a warm sauna lined with gold, a color-therapy room, where guests can sit in individual stalls designated by a single color that may have relaxing or invigorating effects, and an igloo room where the temperature drops to 43 degrees.




The eighth floor features the pools, along with a pool-side aqua bar, where guests can order drinks without leaving the water. The food court on the same floor will offer a simple menu of salad, bento boxes, yogurt and freshly squeezed juice.



The entire seventh floor will be dedicated to spa treatments and includes 14 private rooms, including personal and couples' Jacuzzis.




The cabana-style rooftop includes three tubs and a foot bath. It's also directly adjacent to the Ritz Tower, a condo building that overlooks the outdoor space.



The condo board of the Ritz sued Spa Castle in November for building too high and exposing residents to noise and nudity, and asked a judge to order the spa to cease construction.



A State Supreme Court judge denied the request to stop construction of the Spa Castle, allowing the spa to open.



During the tour on Thursday, High noted that nudity would only be permitted in the locker rooms.



"Some thought that people could be nude in the communal spaces, but that's not true," High said.






Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/check-out-the-new-midtown-spa-with-a-rooftop-hot-tub-swim-up-bar-and-sauna-valley-2014-12



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from energyhouse http://energyhouse.livejournal.com/35197.html

Make preparations now for winter emergencies: The Weekly Fix

Here in northeastern Ohio, it's not unusual to have extended periods without power, water, or other support systems. It's a good idea to have emergency preparations in place, to stave off hunger and cold during these emergencies.



Most boilers and furnaces will not function without electricity. An alternative power source, such as a portable 5000-to-8000 watt generator, can keep the heat going (so long as you have fuel for the generator,) plus power the refrigerator and some lights. A licensed electrician can install a switching panel in the main service box, which will allow the house wiring to distribute output from the generator. The cost of this system can be prohibitive, however; a small generator and panel will run well over $2000.



One low-tech and fairly low-cost heating source is the living room fireplace. The heat will be localized, but you'll have at least one warm room. If you'll be using this source of heat, have the chimney checked and cleaned before winter. Make sure the damper is in good condition, too. Stock up on firewood early enough to allow it to season properly.



If you don't have a fireplace, you'll need to find other ways to keep warm. Don't use a gas stove for heat – the stove can add a lot of carbon monoxide to the air, and the heat can melt the control handles of the appliance. Similarly, kerosene heaters and ventless (natural gas or propane) space heaters can pose dangers. Most city fire and building departments prefer to see vented units that minimize the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, and units fastened to the wall or floor that can't be knocked over. If you are forced to use a portable unit in an emergency situation, be sure to keep all combustibles well away from the heater, provide ventilation (such as a slightly-opened window), secure the heater to the floor (with nails or screws, for example), and follow all manufacturer's instructions.



Emergency lighting is important, but avoid items that burn to provide light (candles, hurricane oil lamps, or propane lanterns). Consider battery-powered lanterns and flashlights to prevent accidental fires. New LED flashlights use less power and run longer on a set of batteries.



Purchase and store provisions in advance. Alkaline batteries can be stored for a longer period of time than regular or "heavy-duty" batteries models – check the expiration date on the package when you purchase them, or buy alkaline batteries that can be recharged. A battery-powered portable radio, besides providing entertainment, can warn you of emergencies (like school closings) and incoming weather.



Jugs of distilled drinking water can be purchased and stored for long periods of time. Plan for the amount your entire household will need for one or two weeks – pets, too. (Assume 8 glasses of water daily per person.) A small water purification unit, carried by camping supply and some sporting goods stores, can make "potable" water for cooking, washing, and drinking from melted snow or collected rainwater.



As for eating, a propane grill can roast, grill, or even boil foods for you. A small portable propane camp stove can be useful, as well. Both must be used outdoors to prevent problems, but either one can heat water for washing, as well as for cooking. Stock up on pre-cooked canned goods (i.e., vegetables, meats, soups, ravioli, and spaghetti) that don't need to be refrigerated during a prolonged power outage. (Remember that you'll need a hand-powered can opener!) A 48- or 60-quart picnic cooler can keep milk and fresh produce chilled, so long as you have ice.



Another thing to keep on hand is a supply of essential medications. If you take prescription drugs, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how long they can be stored, and under what conditions.



If the heat is off for an extended period of time in winter, it will be important to prevent frozen pipes. Shut off the water at the meter, and then open all the faucets to drain out as much water as possible. The last item of concern is the toilet. Short of digging a primitive latrine in your back yard (you'll find directions in an old scouting manual), "gray water" already used for washing or cooking can be re-used to flush a toilet. 1-1/2 gallons will flush through solid wastes when poured quickly into the bowl; keep a bucket on hand to store the water.



Preparations like these can make our lives easier during a winter power outage. The most important thing is to plan ahead.



Source: http://www.cleveland.com/cleveland-heights/index.ssf/2014/12/make_preparations_now_for_wint.html



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from energyhouse http://energyhouse.livejournal.com/34979.html

iPad and the hot tub, perfect together?

Recently my family and I went on a long cruise, and this time not in a car! Cruises are great, once you arrive at the dock you are already on vacation. They are especially great if you have a cruise terminal close by, in our case NYC. Cruises are not really about getting anywhere, well maybe the Catalina bar for the martini contest, but other than that there is a considerable amount of just sitting around relaxing.



For me this involves reading, watching video and some writing (writers never take off) and for all that I have my trusty iPad. However, getting on a ship or any kind of water craft puts all of our electronics at risk from what insurance vendors call “liquid damage.” Have any kind of liquid damage to your phone, tablet or any other guaranteed or insured electronics and all bets are off.



I wanted to be sure my iPad would come back in the same condition that it started in, so I began to look around for a case that would really guarantee that no rain, wind, wave or Jack Daniels-on-the-rocks would damage it. My starting requirement was a case that would let my iPad be underwater, not just a quick dip but an extended amount of time. What good is a waterproof case that only works for a minute? What if the iPad falls into a pool and I don’t notice for 10 minutes? What if a wave sweeps away my towel while I’m enjoying a swim? I shouldn’t have to carry a stopwatch incase of a water emergency, I want a reasonable length of time to react to the situation.



The NuuD Lifeproof case

I had a lot of trouble believing that the concept of the Lifeproof Nuud case was viable. The front of the iPad is left open, only the back and sides are encased. However after I saw the founder of the company serve his kids a sundae on the screen of his iPad, I began to believe. After I listened to Billy Joel for 10 minutes under 8 inches of water in my own kitchen sink, I was a confirmed convert. That was without headphones by the way, the music came right out of the built-in speakers and worked it’s way through the water. Lifeproof found a way to waterproof the speakers without affecting their sound (they're better when they're not underwater, though).



The Lifeproof Nuud concept is pretty simple, the screen is glass and is already waterproof so why cover it up? It’s the rest of the device that we need to worry about. The benefit of this approach is that the iPad remains completely usable, the screen is not covered by anything so the touch interface remains the same and the video quality is the same.



About the case

The lifeproof case is basically a frame and back for the iPad, although you can get a pop-on front cover if you like. The “secret” of the case is two rubber seal gaskets that mate perfectly with the front glass of the iPad and the plastic of the case itself. The case snaps together firmly, so once it’s on it takes some considerable pressure to get it off again. But it’s not a “slip-in” case, it’s a sturdy defensive measure for an expensive piece of equipment.



The case comes with a special test cover, users are asked to put some paper towel in and then seal the case the first time using only the test cover, not their iPad. Then the case is submerged with some weight to hold it down for an hour (I read notes from one reviewer who left it underwater for 8 hours without any water getting in). Check the paper towel for any moisture and if it’s completely dry go ahead and seal up your iPad. This test made me feel a lot better about risking my stuff. If the case does fail the test, Lifeproof will send you a new one. Every Lifeproof case is tested before it's sold as well.



Unlike most tablet cases the Lifeproof case doesn’t add a lot of bulk, that’s really nice because what’s the point of having a sleek device and then stuffing it in a big case? The only way to get any water into the case would be to get it wet while the charging port is open. The charging port has it’s own waterproof seal as does the headphone port. Lifeproof supplies a waterproof headphone adapter that won’t let any liquid in while your using it.



Using the iPad in the Lifeproof case

Cases are meant to accentuate a device, not make it harder to use. Some cases add stands, or places to keep papers or just provide some extra level level of protection. Most “waterproof” cases are really only “water resistant.” Which is fine as long as a certain amount of the danger is reduced. I don’t expect a waterproof case to work 6 miles down in the Marianas trench, but it should be more than equal to the end of the kiddie pool. I also will only trade so much convenience for protection, if the “waterproof” case weighs 20 pounds and requires special magic gloves to use my iPad, I would rather leave it at home.



The beauty of the lifeproof case is that it doesn’t change the way you use the iPad. It’s a rugged case that will absorb a serious drop and from my personal testing allows you to read, watch a video or even do your email half immersed in a boiling hot tub. You can take pictures underwater with the camera or just out in the snow. The case makes using a delicate iPad anywhere much, much safer. Stuff it in your backpack, slam it into the back seat and pour soda all over it or use it as a tray for sandwiches and then rinse it off in the sink. The only change in using the iPad is that it’s slightly thicker, everything else is the same. The same great touch interface, the same amazingly clear screen and the same amazing versatility.



Bottom line

The Lifeproof case for the iPad isn’t cheap, $130 and there are a lot of fakes out there. If you’re not spending that kind of money, it’s not a Lifeproof. As always you get what you pay for. Nothing is indestructible, but the Lifeproof cases are about as close as we’re going to get. I’ve swum with mine, showered with it, hot tubbed and I really enjoy rinsing it off in the sink. Especially to the horrified looks of the uninitiated. I trust it completely. They are a worth while investment if there are kids around, you plan to travel or you just want really serious protection for an expensive investment. Lifeproof makes cases for iPhones and iPods as well. These are worth the money, highly recommended.



Source: http://www.dailyrecord.com/story/tech/personal-tech/domesti-tech/2013/04/25/ipad-and-the-hot-tub-perfect-together/19917633/



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from energyhouse http://energyhouse.livejournal.com/34626.html