What is a Ground Source Heat Pump? A ground source heat pump (GSHP) uses electricity to convert free energy from the ground into heat for your home. While they are common in Europe and parts of the Lower 48, these heating appliances are still relatively new to Alaska....
What are my ground loop options for a ground source heat pump? With ground source heat pumps (GSHP) gaining traction in Alaska, the options for designing them are expanding too. Back in 2010, almost all heat pumps in Fairbanks used a horizontal slinky ground loop...
The difference between energy and power. Or, how fast can you climb the stairs? The terms “energy” and “power” come up a lot when discussing heating and electrical appliances. Though often used interchangeably, energy and power are two different quantities. Energy is...
How long does it take to season wood? Winters are long in Alaska, and it’s never too early to start thinking about the heating season. While burning firewood can be a cheaper alternative to heating oil, it also contributes to the air quality problem in the Fairbanks...
What’s a BTU? Heating Units 101 There’s no better place to examine units than the drink aisle of the grocery store: a 12-oz bottle of soda, a 2-liter jug of lemonade, a gallon of milk. Liquid ounces, liters, gallons, pints, and cups are all measure volume. We have an...
Boiler Basics Today’s boilers offer a wide range of customized options, and Alaska’s climate justifies paying for the most efficient system possible up front, since the extra money will be paid back several times during its operating lifetime. Because of the many...
