Choose the right heating system From page i2 decide to improve or repiace your old system, do not forget that you may have to increase the power of your electrical service. Natural gas or oil systems re- quire some maintenance expenses and must be periodically inspected by a qualified technician. There are two main types of central heating furnaces fueled by natural gas and oil: forced air systems and hot-water (hydronic heating) systems. Forced air systems (furnaces) distribute heated air to rooms by means of a duct system, whereas hycronic systems (boilers) circulate hot water through a piping system to radiators located in each room. The hot air system has the ad- vantage, among others, of pro- viding heat quickly and of filter- ing, humidifying or refreshing the air in the house. Also, it can be used thronghout the year for con- tinuous air circulation in the build- ing. There are four types of natural gas furnaces (or boilers): conven- tional furnaces; furnaces with vent dampers; furnaces with induced draft fans; and condensing gas furnaces. The most popular choice in Canada is undoubtedly the con- ventional furnace. In addition to being very economical, it is equip- ped with a naturally aspirating burner. Instead of entering by mechanical means, the combustion air enters the combustion chamber freely. Although new models have optional electric ignition, the system is equipped with a con- tinuously-lit pilot iight. Some furnaces are equipped with integrated vent dampers con- nected to electric motors that con- trol opening and closing. When the gas burner shuts down, the damper closes automatically. Thus, the hot air in the house cannot escape through the cena en SEES and we'll respond with imagination, experience and practical answers, RRR taE beautiful --——, fey. answers. -~-— you can | jive with. EARS chimney. An electric fan forces exhaust gases te the outside through a nar- row vent so that large quantities of heated air no longer escape through a wide chimney — hence the term ‘‘induced draft.” The most expensive and the most efficient are undoubtedly condensing gas furnaces. They are equipped with an additional corro- sion-resistant heat exchanger ihat recovers most of the heat contain- ed in the exhaust gases before they are forced out. A great deal of encrgy can be saved by using condensing fur- naces or backup condensing units. These furnaces extract more keat ~ from exhaust gases so that most of the water vapor condenses and the latent heat is released. In com- parison with conventional fur- naces, 29 to 37 per cent less fuel is used in condensing furnaces. A medium-efficiency furnace that does not have a condensing device is also equipped with a sturdier combustion chamber. When the hot gases leave the com- bustion chamber, they enter a larger and more complex heat ex- changer. Given the much larger transfer surface, much more heat is trans- ferred to the air that circulates in- side the house. Fuel consumption can be 20 to 32 per cent less than that of conventional furnaces. The purchase price and instaila- tion cost are not the ouly factors to consider in selecting a heating system. Lower heating costs and less frequent repairs mean that over the long term, you will recov- er the few extra dollars spent on an efficient and well-built furnace. If your existing heating system is in good condition, it may not be cost-effective to replace it. On the other hand, depending on the system, it is probably possible that certain changes can be made to in- crease performance and reduce heating costs. When it's tirme to redecorate, it’s time to put your ideas and our experience together. Our professional design services are always available to make the most of your goad taste. Come in and tatk to us about your redecorating ideas or requirements, ‘The Kind of ~—-—>#2==—e — Draperies Bedspreads I | Headboirtts Loe a Castors farnttare Re: upholstery Wall Coverings 3 Art Work Custom Pramiag Lamps Edgemont Interiors Exactly what you had in mind. SMO Edgemont Boulevand, North Vancouver v7R 2N& WAH) 985-2 4p INSTA-FLAME Model HE20 Gas Fireplace Inserts. High Efficiency — 20,000 BTU’s. "77% efficient install CHAINSAWS & LAWNMOWERS W301 Main St. N. Van, 294-4055 251-184 Aubrey Schneider “Your sleep expert” 13 - Friday, October 13, 1989 - CUSTOM DRAPERIES & BLINDS 926-8819 Co Sr chions WHEN ONLY THE BEST WILL DO... Queen Size 2 oc. set After sale $1199 5 STAR Z Queen Size ~