MODERN HEATING APPARATUS Modern heating apparatus may be divided into three principal classes: (1) Hot-Air; (2) Steam; (3) Hot-Water, with several adapta tions of the two latter divisions. To these may rightly- be added the later types of apparatus belonging to systems of heating known as the "vapor," "vacuum," and "vacuo-vapor" sys tems, and the several accelerated systems of hot water heating.
Time was, and that not so long ago, when the builder gave little or no attention to the proper heating of a structure until every other part of it had been provided for. Now, how ever, the question "How shall I heat the build ing?" or "What type of apparatus shall I use?" is considered along with those relating to the other features that enter into the construction of the building, and the heating plant is ar ranged for as soon as the building plans are matured.
Of the three principal modern methods, hot air is the easiest and cheapest to install. Next in order is the steam-heating apparatus, with the hot-water heating system following last; and the degree of general efficiency derived from the three—considering results obtained, cost of fuel required, and length of service with free dom from repairs—can be truly regarded as being also in the order named.
4 The average life of a hot-air furnace is from eight to twelve years; of a steam heating appar atus (cast-iron boiler), from twenty to twenty five years; and of a hot-water heating apparatus (cast-iron heater), thirty years or more. Dur ing the periods named, the hot-air furnace is most efficient the first four or five years, after which limit it deteriorates rapidly in the effi ciency of the service rendered, invariably requiring considerably more fuel and giving proportionately less satisfactory results. The efficiency of service produced by the steam or the hot-water apparatus does not alter with time; and, when kept clean and in condition, these types of heating plant do not require an additional amount of fuel from year to year.
A question quite frequently asked is What difference, if any, is there in the fuel consump tion of either system? Assuming that a certain building will require fifteen tons of anthracite coal to heat it with hot air, it has been proven that the same results may be obtained with a steam heating apparatus from twelve tons of fuel, or with a hot-water heating apparatus from ten tons of fuel—a saving, in the latter instance, of one-third of the amount of fuel required by the hot-air furnace to accomplish the same service.
It should be borne in mind that the char acter of the installation of either system of heat ing has much to do with its efficiency and its economical operation, and the comparisons above given are computed on the basis that each type of apparatus is properly installed.
Hot-air furnaces can be installed in build ings which are not severely exposed to prevail ing winds, and will give a sufficient quantity of heat to insure satisfactory service. There is no building, however, regardless of the extent of its exposure, which cannot be satisfactorily heated with either steam or hot water. And yet, if too small an amount of radiation be pro vided, or if the radiation, though of sufficient quantity, be improperly placed, or if too small a boiler be installed, or a poor system of piping be erected, these conditions will render the steam or hot-water apparatus inefficient and unsatisfactory.
In providing for the installation of a modern heating apparatus, there are some features of building construction which should have the careful attention of the builder. The colder the climate, the greater the necessity for con structing the building in such a manner as will enable it effectively to resist the cold weather. The small additional sum required to make all parts of the structure tight, sound, and capable of resisting and excluding the cold, is, in a com paratively short time, more than refunded in the saving on fuel bills, to say nothing of the satisfaction of having a warm and comfortable home at all times, regardless of varying climatic conditions.
Air is a good insulator; and in building out side walls, provision should be made for "dead" air spaces. If of frame construction, the outer wall should be lathed and plastered tightly on the inside. The studding should be sheathed outside and the sheathing carefully covered with a good quality of building paper. A poor grade of paper is useless at any price. This surface should then be tightly and securely covered with shingles, matched siding, or clapboards. In a particularly cold climate, it is well to sheath the inside of the studding and "fury out" before lathing and plastering. Brick walls should in every instance be "furred out" on the inside; and in cold climates the use of double windows and storm doors is particularly advisable.
The efficiency and the economical operation of the heating apparatus will depend largely on the accuracy with which the above suggestions have been carried out.