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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2000-10-18, Page 15THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2000. PAGE 15. Homeowners warm up to radiant floor heating The answer to lower home heating costs could be right under your toes. Radiant floor heating, uses innova­ tive technology under the subfloors in your home to generate heat from the ground up. It not only creates a more comfortable environment, it can reduce your heating bills - con­ suming up to 30 per cent less energy than a traditional forced air furnace. The idea isn’t a new one. In fact, the concept was first developed dur­ ing the Roman Empire and has been the most popular choice among European homeowners ever since. Deck your deck in protective wardrobe The Old Farmer’s Almanac is pre­ dicting a chilly, white winter this year, and you aren’t the only one that will need a winter wardrobe. Your deck needs to be protected from the cold and snow as well. Damage to exterior wood takes several forms in the winter, melting snow being one of the most com­ mon. The moisture from melting snow can be quickly absorbed by unprotected wood, causing it to swell and soften. This can cause your wood to have a shorter life span and need expensive repair or replace­ ment. Experts offer the following sug­ gestions in preparing your deck this fall. First, if you built a new deck this summer, you will need a different treatment than you would for a deck that has had at least a year to weath­ er. Wood is most vulnerable during its first year and should not be left unprotected, especially during the harsh winter months. New wood treatments are designed specifically to work with unweath­ ered wood to limit moisture damage and provide a more controlled weathering process. If your deck has been around for a Now, North Americans are discover­ ing that the many benefits of radiant floor heating are more than just hot air. The secret is right under your feet. Believe it or not, if your feet stay warm, the rest of your body will feel warm. Because radiant floor heating provides higher temperatures at the ground level, you can actually lower the thermostat and not notice the dif­ ference. Even a few degrees lower can make a big difference in your fuel bills. By heating the floor, using a series year or longer, you can use other forms of deck protection. One form is an oil-based, clear wood finish that allows the wood grain to show through. These finishes, penetrate deep into the wood grain, reviving the wood while further protecting it against moisture damage from the inside. After a thorough cleaning, apply the finish, but do so before the temperature drops too much. Other products to consider on a weathered deck that can protect against moisture are semi-transpar­ ent and solid color stains. You can give your deck a new look with beautiful, long-lasting color. While solid color stains cover the wood grain but allow texture and grain pro­ file to show, semi-transparent stains add color and enhance the wood characteristics. Find a quality stain that is guaran­ teed to last. No matter which finish ‘you choose, it is important to clean your deck before application. Otherwise, the dirt will prevent the finish from properly penetrating into the wood grain. Use a non-bleach cleaner, that is safe on the wood’s delicate fibers and won’t harm plants and shrubs. - News Canada of pipes circulating hot water, heat is continually absorbed by every object in the room, creating a more constant room temperature. Compared to the traditional forced air furnace, radiant floor heating has the upper hand in so many ways. With a furnace, the hot air is directed upwards and gets trapped at the ceil­ ing, creating the common “cold feet, hot head” syndrome common to Canadian households. Homeowners don’t feel the heat, so they turn up Cozy comfort the thermostat. And the wasteful cycle continues. In a radiant floor heating system, the heat radiates from the floor creat­ ing a more constant room tempera­ ture and less heat loss through the ceiling. With radiant floor heat there is less air movement which keeps the dust down, providing a healthier room environment for allergy suffer­ ers. Radiant floor heating systems can be installed anywhere in and around the home to improve the comfort Treat yourself to new appliances from Groves TV & Appliance Centre Serving Clinton and area since 1935 • Roper • Inglis • Whirlpool • Kitchen Aid • Crosley • Broil King BBQs • Sharp TVs & Microwave Ovens • Woods Freezers • Samsung TVs Sales and Service Ask about our current Bell ExpressVu promotions Radiant floor heating adds a warm touch to hardwood, ceramic and vinyl flooring. 10 Huron St., Clinton 482-9414 levels in any room. Embedded in concrete basement floors, it adds a warm touch to a family rec room. Tile floors in kitchens, bathrooms and foyers all benefit from the more efficient, ground-up warmth. It works well under hardwood, ceram­ ic tile, carpet or vinyl flooring. The same radiant heating system used to warm up homes can also be installed outside, under driveways and front walks, so you can give your snow shovel the heave ho. - News Canada Manning's Building Supplies Ltd. Hamilton Street, Blyth 523-9305 • Free Estimates • Free Delivery • Competitive Pricing We have everything you need for your home building & renovation projects • FREE Installation • $100. FREE Programming • 5 FREE Pay Per View Movies*. • with the purchase of a new complete StarChoice Satellite System. Hurry in...offer ends Oct. 31 K.G. Electronics 192 Josephine St. Wingham 357-4173/ ANTENNA, TV & STEREO Repairs to all brands of TVs, VCRs & Stereos. Specializing in antennas & satellite dishes.