Category: Saving Water

How to Choose a Hot Water Heater

When it comes to deciding on a hot water heater, there is not any”one size fits all” system. Each different water heating system has benefits and disadvantages. The choice of which system to use is dependent upon many things, such as just how much hot water that you need, the first cost of this system and the cost to operate it, and accessible energy sources in the house.

Types

There are two types of standalone water heating systems: storage and tankless. Storage water heaters, also known as tank or traditional water heaters, heat water and wait in a predetermined temperature. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand. Hybrid, heat pump and solar water heaters are combination systems. Hybrid water heaters combine tank and tankless systems, using both approaches to their best advantage. Heat pump water heaters and gas water heating systems use passive heat sources to heat water, then store the heated water in a tank; the tank also serves as a backup water heater should need outstrips the passive heat source.

Space

Normal storage water heaters are tall cylindrical tanks. The dimensions of the tank depends on the gallon capacity, but most houses will accommodate standard sizes. Tankless systems are substantially smaller; lots of fit under the sink or on the walls. Hybrid water heaters will also be smaller than typical storage water heaters, and their storage tank is usually less than 10 gallons. Heat pump water heating systems are either added to the present tank system, necessitating extra space, or built as combination units. Solar water heaters take a large, flat space, such as a roof, in addition to the storage tank water heater.

Price

Storage water heaters are the cheapest of the available water heating systems, but also the least energy efficient. Other water heating systems cost more initially, but may pay for themselves over the future with electricity savings. Along with the initial price, you will need to factor in installation and upkeep expenses. Many systems, such as storage water heaters, are easy to install, while those such as solar systems need professional installers. The charge to keep water heaters varies between systems and between models.

Considerations

Your available fuel source is an important factor in deciding on a water heater. While natural gas is usually less costly than electricity, it may be costly to retrofit a house to use natural gas. Tankless systems are accessible as either point-of-use units or septic systems; you might decide to use a storage tank program for a lot of the house, while installing tankless point-of-use units for showers. Another factor when selecting a hot water heater is your system’s warranty. An inexpensive unit that must be replaced every five years may cost more in the future than a more expensive system with a 20-year warranty.

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McCulloch Chainsaw Specifications for Model 7-10

A favorite of chain saw collectors, the 7-10 model was fabricated by California-based McCulloch Motors from the late 1960s and early 1970s. The fundamental 7-10 model was superseded by the 7-10A at the end of the production run, and the model was discontinued in 1971. By today’s standards, the 7-10 is a beefy saw, capable of doing large jobs with lots of power to spare. It does, however, reveal its age, as it lacks most of the features that produce modern saws simpler to use.

Engine

The 7-10 is powered with a 70.5-cc two-cycle engine using one cylinder. The aluminum cylinder features a 2-inch bore and 1.375-inch piston stroke. During the course of manufacturing, the 7-10 was armed with one of three distinct carburetors: a Zama, Tillotson HS-165A, or Walbro SDC58. The engine is air-cooled and, like all two-cycle motors, requires an oil-and-gas mixture instead of pure gas fuel. It has a centrifugal clutch and an automatic recoil starter.

Guide Bar and Chain

The standard guide bar length for the 7-10 is 16 inches, but the saw is able to accept and drive guide bars up to 28 inches. It came armed with a McCulloch-branded chain using a 3/8-inch pitch.

Features

The”A” at the 7-10A model designation stands for automatic, meaning that the 7-10A has a automatic oil pump with a manual fix. It also has a manual chain brake. Aside from that, the 7-10 is a workhorse, using a standard recoil starting system. It lacks the technology that reduce engine emissions and also make contemporary saws more fuel efficient, and it doesn’t offer you luxurious add-ons, like reduced-effort beginning systems or tool-free chain modification mechanics.

Comparison With Current Models

In comparison to versions that are current, the 7-10 is a creature. The maker didn’t officially rate the energy output of this saw’s engine, but it has no problem powering a huge 28-inch manual bar. In contrast, McCulloch’s current top-of-the-line CS 450 Elite saw has a 45.7-cc engine that is able to handle bars between 13 and 18 inches. The 7-10 tips the scales such as a monster, though; its powerhead alone, minus bar and string, weighs 15.6 lbs, while the CS 450 Elite weighs just 11.7 lbs.

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Facts on Purchasing an Above-Ground Pool

An above-ground swimming pool provides an easy-access spot to cool off in the warm summer months. While above-ground pools are generally less costly than an in-ground pool, they’re still a significant investment of money and time. Before you plunge in, do a little research to find out just how much effort — and money — it’s going to take you to purchase and take care of the pool.

Water Supply

Above-ground pools typically call for a lot of water. A cubic foot of water includes 7.5 gallons. A pool that’s 6 feet deep, wide and long requires at least 1,600 gallons of water. The homeowner must provide this water, so your pool has to be installed close enough to a water source to accomplish this. Water evaporates over time, so you must top off the water levels occasionally, as well.

Price and Installation

It is best to hire a professional who is familiar with local building codes and bylaws and who is experienced in troubleshooting and resolving possible problems, such as sloped landscapes, to install your pool, and this can increase your prices. Once installed, all of pools need upkeep, and this involves the use of equipment and chemicals that increase the long-term expenses. Another element that can increase prices is the liner. Above-ground pool liners, which fit within the pool to hold the water and stop it from spilling over the sides, can be damaged through routine use. These have to be repaired or replaced, depending on the degree of the damage. This can add to long-term expenses.

The Legalities

Towns and cities commonly call for a construction permit for the installation of any type of pool, and every one has its own requirements for placement and setup. California law says that all pools installed after January 1, 2007, are required to possess at least one of seven required safety features, including a wall or fence around the pool using a gate that’s self-closing, self-latching and equipped to be secured, or a pool alarm, which sounds when the pool is accessed. This law says that above-ground pools need to have a fence that’s at least 60 inches tall, with spaces between the fence slats that are less than 4 inches wide, and there must be no protrusions or other physical structures close to the fence that would enable a child below the age of 5 to climb over it. The distance between the base of the fence and the ground has to be no more than 2 inches high, and gate latches cannot be less than 60 inches in the ground.

Cleaning and Maintenance

It is typical to spend at least six to eight hours weekly on pool maintenance, including checking the pH balance of the water at least once a week and checking the amount of chemicals such as potassium and chlorine at least once a month. Maintaining the pH of the pool helps prevent the formation of bacteria and algae. Maintaining the calcium level helps decrease corrosion or scale buildup in your pool components and relieves skin and eye irritation. You also have to skim debris from the water and clean the skimmer baskets each day and clean the walls and bottom of the pool every week using pool cleaners, brushes and brushes recommended by your pool manufacturer.

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What to Expect Out of a Modern HVAC Unit

An HVAC, or heat, ventilation and air-conditioning unit is a major investment in your house that directly influences your comfort and ability to relax and enjoy your home. If your previous unit is more than seven to ten years old, then a modern system may offer convenience and savings your previous one cannot.

Energy Sipper

As a result of new technology, new HVAC units are more energy efficient than those built just seven years ago. In fact, modern units utilize so much less electricity the U.S. Department of Energy advocates getting your HVAC system evaluated for possible replacement if it’s more than 10 years old. New units are 20 to 60 percent more efficient than older ones, and that improvement is good for the environment as well as your finances.

Extra Comfort

Many brand new HVAC units incorporate moisture controls, advanced zoom and filtering control options. In the winter, the heat unit can be set to release moisture along with warm air to keep your house comfortable. Multiple and high-performance filters remove dust, pollen and other particulates that trigger allergies and breathing issues. Some units enable you to divide your house into heat and cooling zones so you are able to keep some places warmer or cooler than others, making an perfect balance between energy savings and keeping the rooms you use most at a comfortable temperature.

Air Recovery

Many new models concentrate not just on moving heated or cooled air in your house, but also on moving the incorrect air out. For example, in the summertime the HVAC system will extract warm air from your house and move it outside. In the winter, it will draw on heat in the ground underneath the house so as to move out cold air.

Up and Coming

Smart HVAC controls, which learn the needs of the particular home punctually, are beginning to be incorporated into new units. These controls utilize a combination of outdoor weather conditions, indoor temperatures along with your preferred settings to automatically adjust to keep your house comfortable. These automatic adjustments result in energy savings without any extra effort on your part.

Leaky, Leaky

The advantages of a new HVAC system could be quickly discarded if it’s attached to older, leaky ducts. No matter how efficient the unit itself isalso, the savings could be lost if cold or hot air is leaking out of joints or meeting resistance at improper bends and elbows. Before installing a new system, have your duct work inspected, repaired or even replaced if required so the new unit may function as intended.

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Are Front-Load Washers Cost Effective?

Front-loading washing machines use less electricity and water to wash clothes than a standard top-loading drier. This results in lower operational expenses, but whether the savings is enough to create such a machine cost effective depends upon several elements. Regardless of cost, front-loading machines are easier on the environment.

Energy Savings

A front-loading drier uses between 40 and 50 percent less electricity compared to the usual top-loading machine. For an average family, this implies it costs about $18 per year in electricity to operate the machine. This is about $30 less per year compared to the usual top-loading model. If the washing machine has a lifespan of 10 decades, this is a entire energy savings of $300. The last amount may be less or more, depending on electricity prices in your area and the exact energy usage of your model.

Water Savings

Many front-loading washers use about 40 percent less water than the usual top-loading unit. This results in a savings of about 7,000 gallons per year. Cost-wise, this is really a savings similar to electricity, at around $30 per year, or $300 within a 10-year lifespan. Savings could be higher if water rates are high, or even the front loader is particularly efficient.

Repair Costs

Repairs to front-loading washing machines often are more expensive than for top-loading models. Parts such as drums and electronics cost more, in addition to the labor to install some components. It is impossible to know whether your washer will need expensive repairs or function with only regular maintenance for its anticipated life span. Repairs may quickly eat into any cost savings realized by power and water efficiency.

Other Factors

It may look like the ideal way to maximize savings using a front-loading drier is to purchase a less expensive model. Lower-end models, however, are not as energy efficient as more expensive ones. Utilize the energy-guide tag to evaluate efficiency and operating costs between models. It may be more cost effective to buy a unit that is somewhat cheaper but much more efficient. Additionally, when comparing prices, consider the age and efficiency of your current machine. Newer machines are far more efficient than older machines, and savings can be greater than those listed for machines at the same era.

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Feng Shui Red Door Significance

Red is an auspicious — and attractive — choice, although the belief which feng shui prescribes red to get front door is a misconception. It is a color that attracts attention, and the attention can bring fame and prosperity. Not everyone is looking for these boons, nevertheless, as well as those who are may not get them if their red door faces the path or clashes.

The Colour of Recognition

Red is the color of the southwest, and its element is fire. In the feng shui compass, each leadership signifies certain facets of lifestyle, and those related to the south are fame and recognition. It’s easy to appreciate how there came a red doorway to be associated with these aspects since it is hard to miss one. In Japan and China, red was an auspicious color used to shrines for the entrances. Building codes in China stated that just government officials may paint their doors red, which is one reason.

Western Ideas Concerning Red Doors

Western civilization has filtered feng shui ideas to some belief that red is a color on front door. In the days of horse and buggy, a red door brought travelers with a fantastic night’s sleep and a promise of hospitality. Red is an color; since the color of Christ’s blood, sanctity was signified by a red door on the church. Scottish homeowners painted their doors red when they’d finished paying the mortgage off.

Shade and Management

Red isn’t always the color for front door. Inside looking out by standing determine a door’s leadership. Because it is the color of the southwest, it may be out of place in the event front door faces in another direction. Chinese houses that are built in accordance with feng shui principles often face south to welcome the strong energy represented by that direction. Your home may not face in that direction, though, and you need to paint your doorway the color that is most appropriate for the direction it does face to encourage the energy that is auspicious.

When to Choose Crimson

The feng shui compass recognizes eight directions, but south is the only one. North is the color of water, and that direction attenuates red’s character; blue is a better color for north. On the other hand, an red may be an appropriate northeast or southwest, for the reason that they are earth directions. Another way to approach door color is to harmonize it with the life aspect. For instance, painting an east-facing door red could be reassuring to get a health specialist; east if the direction of health.

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Ice Maker Water Pressure Regulator

An in-line Water pressure regulator can protect your fridge’s automatic ice maker against damage brought on by excessive water pressure. These pressure-limiting devices are usually installed in the water line between your refrigerator and the spigot supplying water into your fridge. Some makers offer whole-house pressure regulators a plumber can put in between the incoming water supply line and house plumbing.

Incoming Pressure

Refrigerator manufacturers typically suggest an incoming water pressure for ice makers of 40 to 60 pounds per square inch, but a few makers permit incoming clogs up to 120 psi. In-line pressure regulators have been intended to reduce household water pressures that are above recommended maximums down to recommended limits. The pressure regulators utilize fittings to connect to plastic or copper supply tubing. Precise setup instructions vary among manufacturers, but a few units can be installed by the homeowner.

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