Using advanced #plumbing technology can save the average family of four more than 30,000 gallons of water annually.
https://t.co/MVXVeWeziH – https://twitter.com/LeakGeeks/status/909878695183224834
Water Heater Changes
2015 GOVERNMENT CHANGES TO WATER HEATERS WILL AFFECT YOU
In 2015, all manufacturers of water heaters that are sold in the US must conform their equipment to new energy efficiency standards. This applies to all residential, gas, propane, and electric water heaters. Why should you care? Because water heaters as we know them won’t look the same. Here’s the who, what, how much it’s going to affect you, and what you can do right now.
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Who made the new rulings?
The National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA) was approved by Congress and is administered by the US Department of Energy (DOE). This is the same organization that oversees the EnergyStar program. That translates to: this is serious business and a real change for all water heaters sold in the US.
What are the new water heater regulations?
Water heaters produced after April 16, 2015 must conform to new energy efficiency standards. These translate to a mandatory increase of 3% – 30% greater efficiency vs. current models. The amount varies by tank size based on formulas. The larger the tank, the more the efficiency is required. The gains in efficiency are small, but given that the vast majority of homes in America have a water heater; small can add up to big savings for the environment.
How does this affect me?
If you have a tankless water heater with an efficiency rating above .82, (all that we sell are at this level), good news, your water heater already complies. However if you are in one of the hundreds of thousands of Texas homes, condos and apartments with a standard tank water heater – please read on!
In order to gain the efficiency, manufacturers will be adding additional insulation to water heater tanks. This will impact you as follows:
1. Fitting it in your house. Unlike the new light bulbs that fit in the same sockets as incandescent ones, the new tanks are not going to be the same size. While the actual dimensions of new models are not available until January, we know that tanks will be taller and wider. We guess about 2 inches wider. If you have a tight closet or a small door, you may have to relocate your water heater, or take off door jambs to bring it in. And sorry, we (or any installer) would have to charge for that if we did it. There will also be new and larger venting required for some gas water heaters.
2. Manufacturer price increase. All of the manufacturers will have to re-tool production lines, and this is expensive. Combine that with increased materials cost from adding more insulation to tanks and we anticipate retail price increases in the range of $100.
3. Custom install solutions needed. To fit some homes and apartments may require creative planning on the part of your installer. For example: If a 50 gallon tank won’t fit, a 40 gallon tank with an added mixing valve may produce the hot water you need. Fortunately our team has the experience to do that.
4. Some larger sized tanks may be discontinued. If you have a large size electric tank (66 or 80 gallon) or 75 gallon gas water heater, some of these are being discontinued. While new products may come along to replace them, the installer community has not yet seen them.
What can I do right now?
Standard water heater tanks last around 8-10 years. If you are thinking it’s time to replace or if you have an older tank located in a tight closet (hello condo & apartment dwellers!), we recommend doing it sooner than later.
Three choices for replacement
1. Upgrade to tank water heaters that already qualify at the new energy efficiency levels, (gas or propane).
2. Replace with your same tank style and size while still available.
3. Consider a move to a tankless water heater.
For gas water heaters, models are available today that meet and actually exceed the new standards. Tankless water heaters are an available option as they run on gas or propane and meet the new energy standards. We also carry super-efficient standard tanks, for example, Rheem Power Damper water heaters. They are Energystar rated and exceed the new efficiency standards, saving you even more on your water heating costs. This type of water heater costs a bit more than today’s standard gas water heater, but we expect it to be closer in price to the new gas water heaters. So you can start saving energy now, at around the price you might pay nex.
Current hot water heater tank styles can still be installed after April 16, 2015 but inventory will eventually run out. Installers and suppliers are stocking the last of the available current style tanks as we know many people will want them
Source: http://www.washingtonenergy.com/articles-tips/2015-government-changes-water-heaters-will-affect
How To Fix a Hard-To-Turn Faucet
Some plumbing changes in your home happen so slowly, you do not even realize anything is different. Faucets are a great example of this—one day you realize the faucet is difficult to turn, and wonder how it ever got that way. It did not become hard to turn overnight, but fixing a hard-to-turn faucet is a quick repair any homeowner can do themselves.
Several Sources
A hard-to-turn faucet can be caused by several problems. Your job is helped by knowing (through a little tinkering) what the cause is. Some clues: …Continue Reading
Types of Water Heaters
The water heater is a vital part of your home’s plumbing system. Water heaters provide the household with much needed hot water for showers, cleaning dishes, and washing clothing and linens. You need to choose a water heating system that not only provides you with enough hot water, but that will also be cost effective and energy efficient.
When considering a new water heater, the type of fuel it consumes may play a factor in the choice you make. Fuel options for water heaters include electric, fuel oil, geothermal energy, natural gas, propane, and solar energy. There are 5 basic water heater types to choose from.
Storage Water Heater
This water heater stores a ready supply of hot water in a tank, and are the most economical for installation and upkeep. However, this type of water heater may take up more energy in order to keep the water in the tank at a set temperature. A good way to reduce heat loss is using an insulated tank. The life expectancy of a storage water heater is about 15 years. …Continue Reading
How to Wash your Washing Machine
It is important to maintain your household appliances in order to get the maximum use possible out of them, cleaning being a major part of the maintenance process. A regular cleaning keeps appliances running efficiently and gives them a chance at reaching their maximum life expectancy. This includes your washing machine.
Types of Washing Machines
Because washing machines comes in many shapes, sizes, and types, each washer will require its own certain method of cleaning. The types of washers that you can choose from when you are in the market for a new washing machine include:
- Front loading washers
- Top loading washers
- Laundry centers
- Compact washers
- All-in-one combos
- Steam washers
Cleaning Methods for Each Type
4 Ways to Conserve Water in 2015
Water stains around the base of your water heater are a telltale sign of leaks.
New years inevitably come with new resolutions and goals, things you want to change or achieve in your life. A common resolution people make is to be more responsible with things like food, waste, and water; things we use or dispose of every day. As we enter 2015, here are 4 ways that you can do your part and conserve water.
1. Be a Leak Detective
Household plumbing leaks are common, and the amount of water wasted because of leaks adds up fast. For example, if you put a gallon-sized bucket under a kitchen faucet with a slow leak of only one drip per second, at the end of a year you would have 3,000 full buckets of water. That’s enough water to wash 81 loads of laundry.
It pays to be a leak detective and fix every leak, no matter how insignificant it may seem.
Here are some common sources of leaks in the home: …Continue Reading
Plumbing Issues in Home Inspections
Buying a new home can be such an exciting time for you and your family. While a certified home inspector should do a look through of the home before you sign any papers or put money on the table, make sure you also look around yourself to see if there are any warning signs of potential problems. Look at issues such as the roof, electrical wiring, floors, walls, and the plumbing in the home. Of the issues that could cause problems if overlooked, plumbing is one of the most devastating, and also is one of the most commonly overlooked in home inspections. It never hurts to have a licensed plumber do an inspection of the home’s plumbing system in addition to the home inspector. A little money up front could save you potentially thousands of dollars in the long run. Here are some common plumbing areas to pay special attention to as you conduct your home inspections: …Continue Reading
