Now that the worst high temperatures are over with for the year, your heating system will be coming out of hibernation. It’s always a good idea to have a professional from Ambient Heating and Air Conditioning come and conduct a detailed inspection, and make sure your heating system will run smoothly and efficiently for the upcoming cold months ahead. Being proactive now, could avoid catastrophe later, and no one wants to be left in the cold with nothing but a blanket and a few layers to keep warm.
Now that you know what must be done to prepare for the running of your heating system, Ambient Heating & Air Conditioning would like to share some fun and interesting facts!
1. Philadelphia was home to the first municipally-owned natural gas company known as Philadelphia gas works. Opened in 1836 and is the largest, longest operating public gas system in the country.
2. Electricity and natural gas are the two most used ways to heat homes. Other sources such as wood, kerosene, propane and other methods are used in about 15% of homes.
3. The rotten-egg smell is often the production of natural gas. Natural gas, however, is odorless. The energy companies add the odor for early detection of gas leaks.
4. Ford Motor Company developed the first dash-mounted exhaust gas heaters on their V-8 vehicles in 1933. The heater was built like a boiler 24, 13 inch flues.
5. The Roman civilization was the first to create indoor heating systems. A handful of buildings in the Roman Empire used a “hypocaust” system. Furnace-heated air passed through empty spaces under floors and out the pipes.
6. Space heaters are among the top 10 causes of home fires. When using one, exercise caution. Clear 3-4 feet of clutter away from the space heater. Never allow the heaters to be near water sources and do not leave your space heater unsupervised.
7. Heating costs for your home average 30% of your energy usage.
8. If we were to weld every U.S. gas pipeline together, it could stretch beyond the moon, with over 300,000 miles of pipeline.
9. England was the first to install a steam-heating system. The Governor of the Bank of England wanted a heat source to grow his grapes all year long.
10. The general life span of a furnace is 20 years, and the older they become, the less efficient they become.