Choose a Radiant Floor Heat Mat for Alternative Heating

Martin Applebaum :

When we call radiant floor heat mat, we generally mean electric radiant floor heat mat. These are designed to warm stone and tile floors in bathrooms, kitchens, entries and sunrooms—almost anytime anywhere.

With the addition of almost tons of different products, you can also warm almost any floor without replacing or refinishing your existing one. Therefore, there is no need to replace, refinish or alter your existing room setup.

Wherever you wish to put these radiant floor heat mats, you can do that easily. Radiant floor heat mat is an exclusive option in electric radiant heat offered by these specially designed floor mats.

Electric radiant floor heat mat would make you feel like a gentle foot-massage or a walk on a warm beach. Almost any surface in your home can become warm and dry with these specially designed floor-heating mats.

These radiant floor heat mats are suited to generate heat on the floor, such as under tile, wood or laminate floors in bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways and sunrooms. They are very thin and portable with sturdy construction that makes them ideally suited for renovation of homes, apart from green-field construction.

Additionally, they are easy to order, ship and when reaching your home are easy to install within no time. The ease of installation makes them an ideal ‘Do-it-Yourself”. The installation kit comes with clear instructions with no requirements of technicians for planning their layouts. You can avoid spoiling the aesthetics of room with unsightly radiators or convector heaters, by using any of radiant floor heat mats of your choice.

Let us see some useful information about their construction. However, almost every floor mat differs in its construction but the basic principle remains the same. They comprise of flexible, robust fiberglass mats that carry thin heating elements uniformly fixed on it. These elements are provided with primary fluoropolymer insulation, metal shielding and sheathing of PVC or fluoropolymer, as desired.

You should also note that heating cables could be single conductor with 2.2 mm outer diameter and terminating on cold leads at both ends of the mat or could be twin conductor with 3.0 mm outer diameter and cold lead terminating at one end of the mat.

To warm your floor at home or office, there are many suppliers that provide an immediate solution for any need. Some of them are as big as they have the largest inventory in the U.S., in stock and ready for immediate delivery, from the leading manufacturers at the best prices.

Literally, these suppliers are professional at what they do, they not only supply radiant floor heat mat for your room but much more than that. They are passionate about adding warmth to your home, from the ground up.

They would also help you determine which product is right for your specific application. All you need to do is to send them your room layout and they will design and quote a system especially for you. Within the next few days, you will get them delivered at your doorstep. For additional safety, you should ask for any warranty or guaranty coverage to ensure years of trouble free service.

About the Author

We provide information on a radiant floor heat mat and electric floor heat. It’s time to start lowering your heating bills. Visit our site for more information on this heating alternative! http://www.radiantflooringheat.com

By M. Applebaum

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Voltaic Backpacks

Voltaic Backpack (Silver)
Voltaic Backpack (Silver)
The Voltaic Backpack is built tough for use as a weekend hike bag or as a large daypack. There are pockets and wire channels for multiple electronic devices and 1,850 cubic inches of storage space. It features high density padding in the shoulder straps and back panel for comfort, nylon mesh backing material for better air flow, an adjustable phone / MP3 pouch on the shoulder and a second lined MP3 / sunglasses pouch inside. The solar panels provide protection for fragile items inside the front pocket and wire channels throughout the bag take power to the shoulder strap and for headphones etc. It weighs 3.5 lbs (1,590 grams) including battery and solar panels and its dimensions are 20″ high x 10-15″ wide x 7-10″ deep (51cm high x 25-38cm wide x 18-25cm deep).

Other colors available in Orange, Green, & Charcoal.

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High density padding in the shoulder straps and back panel for comfort, Nylon mesh backing material for better air flow, The solar panels provide protection for fragile items inside the front pocket, Wire channels throughout the bag take power to the shoulder strap and for headphones etc., Adjustable phone / MP3 pouch on the shoulder

Company:

List Price:
Amazon Price: $249.99

Solar Charging Backpack, Orange Panels
Solar Charging Backpack, Orange Panels
This solar charging backpack is a mobile solar-powered generator designed to charge handheld electronic devices without a power outlet. Just plug a standard car charger into the bag and recharge virtually all handheld electronic devices, including cell phones, cameras, 2-way radios, PDAs and MP3s (not designed to charge notebook computers). This bag also comes with a USB adapter and 10 other standard adapters for common cell phones and other devices.

There are 3 lightweight, waterproof solar panels that generate up to 4 watts of power for quick charge times mounted on the outside of the bag. These panels use the sun to power up your electronics – helping save electricity and greenhouse gases. Includes a Li-ion battery pack which stores any surplus power generated, so it is available when you need it – not just when the sun is shining. The battery pack can also be charged using an AC travel charger or car charger (both included).

This spacious Backpack has 1,850 cubic inches of storage space, including multiple pockets and wire channels. It features high-density padding in the shoulder straps and back panel for all-day comfort, and nylon mesh backing for better air flow. Includes an adjustable phone/MP3 pouch on the shoulder strap, and an additional lined MP3/sunglasses pouch inside. The Backpack is ideal for use as a weekend hiking bag or a large daypack. Environmentally preferable bag features high-quality construction from recycled PET (soda bottles). It is backed by the manufacturer’s 1-year limited warranty.

:
wireless phone compatibility: Universal, charger type: travel, battery capacity: 4400 mAh, average charging time: 2 hours, warranty length: 1-year limited

Company: GreenHome123.com

List Price:
Amazon Price: $249.99

Converter Solar Charging Bag, Green Panels
Converter Solar Charging Bag, Green Panels
This solar charging backpack is a mobile solar-powered generator designed to charge handheld electronic devices without a power outlet. Just plug a standard car charger into the bag and recharge virtually all handheld electronic devices, including cell phones, cameras, 2-way radios, PDAs and MP3s (not designed to charge notebook computers). This bag also comes with a USB adapter and 10 other standard adapters for common cell phones and other devices.

There are 3 lightweight, waterproof solar panels that generate up to 4 watts of power for quick charge times mounted on the outside of the bag. These panels use the sun to power up your electronics – helping save electricity and greenhouse gases. Wires travel throughout the bag to bring the power to your device. The panels also protect fragile contents inside. Includes a Li-ion battery pack which stores any surplus power generated, so it is available when you need it – not just when the sun is shining. The battery pack can also be charged using an AC travel charger or car charger (both included).

Use the Converter as a standalone daypack, or easily attach it to another bag using the included fastek buckles. It is fully padded to carry and protect a notebook computer, and also includes a lined MP3/sunglasses pouch. It comes with high-density padding in the shoulder straps and back panel for all-day comfort, and can be worn as a backpack or a sling bag, ideal for use in the city or on day trips. This environmentally friendly bag features high quality construction from recycled PET (soda bottles). Backed by the manufacturer’s 1-year limited warranty.

:
wireless phone compatibility: Universal, charger type: travel, battery capacity: 4400 mAha, average charging time: 2 hours, warranty length: 1-year limited

Company: GreenHome123.com

List Price:
Amazon Price: $199.99

Voltaic Backpack – Solar charger
Voltaic Backpack - Solar charger
The Voltaic Backpack is built tough for use as a weekend hike bag or as a large daypack. There are pockets and wire channels for multiple electronic devices and 1,850 cubic inches of storage space. Removable waist strap High density padding in the shoulder straps & back Mesh backing material for better airflow Shell uses 600D fabric made from recycled PET (soda bottles), which is tough, water resistant & lightweight Weight – 3.5 lbs including battery and solar panels Volume – 1,850 cubic inches (30 liters) 4 Watts of Solar Power – From three tough, light weight, & waterproof solar panels 4-6 hours of direct sunlight produce enough charge to fully charge a typical cell phone Battery Included – 3,000mAh at 3.7 volts Li-Polymer battery pack to store solar power When not in the sun, battery can be charged using the USB Power Cable or optional AC travel charger or DC car charger making it just as useful on the grid as off 11 standard adaptors for easy connections to common cell phones and universal plugs Includes a car charger socket & USB adaptor so you can always use a standard charger for your device Indicator light inside the logo shows when the panels are generating a charge Unit Dimensions – 20 H x 10-15 W x 7-10 D It is not designed to charge laptops, it will however charge cell phones, sat phones, PDAs, GPS devices, iPods, cameras & most other handheld electronics

Electronics:
Solar panels protect fragile items inside, Included battery pack which stores power until you need it, Fully padded laptop sleeve for up to a 17 laptop (16.5 x 11 x 3), Wire channels throughout the bag for headphones & bladder tubes, Adjustable phone/MP3 player pouch on the shoulder

Company: Voltaic Systems

List Price:
Amazon Price: $219.00

Messenger Solar Charging Bag, Silver Panels
Messenger Solar Charging Bag, Silver Panels
The Messenger Solar Charging Bag is a mobile solar-powered generator designed to charge handheld electronic devices without a power outlet. Just plug a standard car charger into the bag and recharge virtually all handheld electronic devices, including cell phones, cameras, 2-way radios, PDAs and MP3s (not designed to charge notebook computers). The bag also comes with a USB adapter and 10 other standard adapters for common cell phones and other devices.

There are 3 lightweight, waterproof solar panels that generate up to 4 watts of power for quick charge times mounted on the outside of the bag. These panels use the sun to power up your electronics – helping save electricity and greenhouse gases. Wires travel throughout the bag to bring the power to your device. The panels also protect fragile contents inside. It includes a li-ion battery pack which stores any surplus power generated, so it is available when you need it – not just when the sun is shining. The battery pack can also be charged using an AC travel charger or car charger (both included).

The Voltaic Messenger is reinforced and padded to carry and protect a notebook computer with up to a 15″ screen. It has large zippered pockets for documents, and multiple small pockets for electronic devices. It is ideal for use in the city or as a travel bag. This environmentally friendly bag features high quality construction from recycled PET (soda bottles). Includes padded adjustable shoulder strap. Backed by the manufacturer’s 1-year limited warranty.

:
wireless phone compatibility: Universal, charger type: travel, battery capacity: 4400 mAh, average charging time: 2 hours, warranty length: 1-year limited

Company: GreenHome123.com

List Price:
Amazon Price: $229.99

Messenger Solar Charging Bag, Orange Panels
Messenger Solar Charging Bag, Orange Panels
The Messenger Solar Charging Bag is a mobile solar-powered generator designed to charge handheld electronic devices without a power outlet. Just plug a standard car charger into the bag and recharge virtually all handheld electronic devices, including cell phones, cameras, 2-way radios, PDAs and MP3s (not designed to charge notebook computers). The bag also comes with a USB adapter and 10 other standard adapters for common cell phones and other devices.

There are 3 lightweight, waterproof solar panels that generate up to 4 watts of power for quick charge times mounted on the outside of the bag. These panels use the sun to power up your electronics – helping save electricity and greenhouse gases. Wires travel throughout the bag to bring the power to your device. The panels also protect fragile contents inside. It includes a li-ion battery pack which stores any surplus power generated, so it is available when you need it – not just when the sun is shining. The battery pack can also be charged using an AC travel charger or car charger (both included).

The Voltaic Messenger is reinforced and padded to carry and protect a notebook computer with up to a 15″ screen. It has large zippered pockets for documents, and multiple small pockets for electronic devices. It is ideal for use in the city or as a travel bag. This environmentally friendly bag features high quality construction from recycled PET (soda bottles). Includes padded adjustable shoulder strap. Backed by the manufacturer’s 1-year limited warranty.

:
wireless phone compatibility: Universal, charger type: travel, battery capacity: 4400 mAh, average charging time: 2 hours, warranty length: 1-year limited

Company: GreenHome123.com

List Price:
Amazon Price: $229.99

Voltaic Solar Powered Messenger Bag – Silver
Voltaic Solar Powered Messenger Bag - Silver
The Voltaic Messenger is reinforced and padded to carry and protect a laptop. It has large zipped pockets for documents, and multiple small pockets for electronic devices. The messenger bag is ideal for use in town or as a travel bag. Wire channels throughout the bag for headphones, & power Padded adjustable shoulder strap Pouch for phone/MP3 player Shell uses 600D fabric made from recycled PET (soda bottles), which is tough, water resistant & lightweight Oversized nylon zips for extra strength Volume – 850 cubic inches (14 liters) Indicator light inside the logo shows when the panels are generating a charge 4-6 hours of direct sunlight produce enough charge to fully charge a typical cell phone Battery included – 3,000mAh at 3.7 volts Li-Polymer battery pack to store solar power When not in the sun, battery can be charged using the USB Power Cable or optional AC travel charger or DC car charger making it just as useful on the grid as off Includes a car charger socket & USB adaptor so you can always use a standard charger for your device Unit Dimensions – 14.5 x 11.5 x 4-5.5 Weight – 3.25 lbs including battery & solar panels It is not designed to charge laptops, it will however charge cell phones, sat phones, PDAs, GPS devices, iPods, cameras & most other handheld electronics

Electronics:
4 watts of solar power for fast charging (3 tough, light weight, waterproof solar panels), Solar panels protect fragile items inside, Included battery pack which stores power until you need it, 11 standard adaptors for easy connections to common cell phones & universal plugs, Adjustable padded laptop sleeve, for laptops with up to a 15 screen (14 x 10 x 2)

Company: Voltaic

List Price:
Amazon Price: $189.00

Converter Solar Charging Bag, Orange Panels
Converter Solar Charging Bag, Orange Panels
This solar charging backpack is a mobile solar-powered generator designed to charge handheld electronic devices without a power outlet. Just plug a standard car charger into the bag and recharge virtually all handheld electronic devices, including cell phones, cameras, 2-way radios, PDAs and MP3s (not designed to charge notebook computers). This bag also comes with a USB adapter and 10 other standard adapters for common cell phones and other devices.

There are 3 lightweight, waterproof solar panels that generate up to 4 watts of power for quick charge times mounted on the outside of the bag. These panels use the sun to power up your electronics – helping save electricity and greenhouse gases. Wires travel throughout the bag to bring the power to your device. The panels also protect fragile contents inside. Includes a Li-ion battery pack which stores any surplus power generated, so it is available when you need it – not just when the sun is shining. The battery pack can also be charged using an AC travel charger or car charger (both included).

Use the Converter as a standalone daypack, or easily attach it to another bag using the included fastek buckles. It is fully padded to carry and protect a notebook computer, and also includes a lined MP3/sunglasses pouch. It comes with high-density padding in the shoulder straps and back panel for all-day comfort, and can be worn as a backpack or a sling bag, ideal for use in the city or on day trips. This environmentally friendly bag features high quality construction from recycled PET (soda bottles). Backed by the manufacturer’s 1-year limited warranty.

:
wireless phone compatibility: Universal, charger type: travel, battery capacity: 4400 mAh, average charging time: 2 hours, warranty length: 1-year limited

Company: GreenHome123.com

List Price:
Amazon Price: $199.99

Solar Charging Backpack, Green Panels
Solar Charging Backpack, Green Panels
This solar charging backpack is a mobile solar-powered generator designed to charge handheld electronic devices without a power outlet. Just plug a standard car charger into the bag and recharge virtually all handheld electronic devices, including cell phones, cameras, 2-way radios, PDAs and MP3s (not designed to charge notebook computers). This bag also comes with a USB adapter and 10 other standard adapters for common cell phones and other devices.

There are 3 lightweight, waterproof solar panels that generate up to 4 watts of power for quick charge times mounted on the outside of the bag. These panels use the sun to power up your electronics – helping save electricity and greenhouse gases. Includes a Li-ion battery pack which stores any surplus power generated, so it is available when you need it – not just when the sun is shining. The battery pack can also be charged using an AC travel charger or car charger (both included).

This spacious Backpack has 1,850 cubic inches of storage space, including multiple pockets and wire channels. It features high-density padding in the shoulder straps and back panel for all-day comfort, and nylon mesh backing for better air flow. Includes an adjustable phone/MP3 pouch on the shoulder strap, and an additional lined MP3/sunglasses pouch inside. The Backpack is ideal for use as a weekend hiking bag or a large daypack. Environmentally preferable bag features high-quality construction from recycled PET (soda bottles). It is backed by the manufacturer’s 1-year limited warranty.

:
wireless phone compatibility: Universal, charger type: travel, battery capacity: 4400 mAh, average charging time: 2 hours, warranty length: 1-year limited

Company: GreenHome123.com

List Price:
Amazon Price: $249.99

Voltaic 1003 Solar Powered Converter Bag – Silver
Voltaic 1003 Solar Powered Converter Bag - Silver
Voltaic Converter, small light weight day bag with a compartment for a water bladder, so it is ideal for biking and hiking. Multiple attachment mechanisms mean it can work as a pannier on a bicycle, a tank bag on a motorcycle, a saddle pack, or a day bag attached to a lager rucksack. Fits up to a 17 Mac Powerbook (15.5 x 10.5 x 2) Wire channels throughout the bag for headphones, & bladder tubes High density padding in the shoulder straps & back Can be worn as a backpack or sling bag Mesh backing material for better airflow Shell uses 600D fabric made from recycled PET (soda bottles), which is tough, water resistant & lightweight Webbing with fastek buckles at each corner to loop through anchor points MOLLE compatible PALS for attachment to military style rucksacks Removable fastek buckles can attach to another bag & serve as an anchor point Volume – 600 cubic inches (10 liters) 4 Watts of Solar Power – From 3 tough, light weight, & waterproof solar panels 4-6 hours of direct sunlight produce enough charge to fully charge a typical cell phone Battery Included – 3,000mAh at 3.7 volts Li-Polymer battery pack to store solar power When not in the sun, battery can be charged using the USB Power Cable or optional AC travel charger or DC car charger making it just as useful on the grid as off Indicator light inside the logo shows when the panels are generating a charge Unit Dimensions – 18 H x 11-12 W x 3-4 D; Weight – 2.9 lbs including battery & solar panels It is not designed to charge laptops, it will however charge cell phones, sat phones, PDAs, GPS devices, iPods, cameras & most other handheld electronics

Electronics:
4 watts of solar power for fast charging, Solar panels protect fragile items inside, Included battery pack which stores power until you need it, 11 standard adaptors for easy connections to common cell phones & universal plugs, Fully padded to protect laptops

Company: Voltaic

List Price:
Amazon Price:

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Geothermal, Condensing Boilers, and Micro Chp: Heat Your Home With Less Gas or Oil

Alan Jacobson :

There are three exciting new technologies that can help you heat your home this winter with less, or perhaps even no oil or gas. Each of these systems will pay for itself in just a small period of time, and after that you keep all the savings you reap on lower oil and gas bills. Each of these three products, condensing boilers, micro chp systems, and ground source heat pumps are already in widespread use around the globe, and poised to explode into the market in the US.

Micro Combined Heat & Power (CHP) is the cornerstone technology in what is called “cogeneration”. Cogeneration is the process by which electricity and heat are generated at the same time, and micro chip achieves this in a way that maximizes the effectiveness of both processes. This, in turn, allows you to use less gas or oil. As an example, some micro-chp systems are so efficient that they convert 70-80% of the energy produced from the gas or oil into heat, and 15-25% into electricity. This leaves very little energy to be lost, 5-20% in most cases. Conventional systems, on the other hand might also be able to convert 80% of the energy into heat, but electricity generation is a completely separate system. Thus, with micro chp, the electricity generated in the home is basically free! The savings on electric bills can cover the initial investment in the installation of a micro CHP unit in just a few years.

A condensing boiler captures energy normally discharged and lost through the exhaust chimney during the process where the water is heated. Put simply, the captured steam is changed back to hot water using a “heat exchanger” that cools the steam back into liquid. During this process, energy is produced and recovered. This energy, in turn, is useful in powering the condensing boiler, so less gas or oil has to be burned overall. In addition, given that the recovered water is already heated, it can be recycled back into use within the boiler right away. Condensing boilers usually pay for themselves in two to three years.

Geothermal heat pumps (often called ground source heat pumps) can both heat and cool your home, and the thing that sets these systems apart from both of the above is that they use zero gas or oil. In fact, the heat and cooling is generated by something that you don’t have to pay for and isn’t going anywhere – the earth itself. Just under the ground, the earth’s temperature is steady and warm. A ground source heat pump pulls the earth’s heat into the house in the winter, while in the summer the system reverses itself and returns heat from the house into the ground. While ground source heat pumps are more expensive to install than regular heating and colling systems, they are often warranteed for 40-50 years, and pay for themselves in a small fraction of that.

Condensing boilers, micro CHP, and ground source heat pumps are technologies that are already perfected and on the consumer market. Therefore, the price is already reasonable and the technology reliable. These are not brand new “green” technologies – they are just relatively (and surprisingly) unknown products. Look into one of the three products today to lower your heating bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and increase the resale value and desireability of your home.

About the Author

For more information about condensing boilers, please go to http://www.condensingboilers.net

For more information about ground source heat pumps, please go to http://www.groundsourceheatpumps.info

For more information about micro chp, please go to http://www.microchpsystems.com

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