Is Your HVAC System Working With You or Against You?

July 19, 2019

It’s been over 100 degrees for weeks when that daunting envelope arrives. You know, the one containing that dreaded letter informing you it’s time to pay your utility bill. You become abundantly aware that your air conditioning system is cranked into high gear, and has remained in that state 24/7 since the hot weather hit. You anxiously expose the contents of the envelope to read what you already knew was coming–a utility bill with an extra zero on the end of it. You knew your air conditioning costs would be high… but the number on your bill

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A New Furnace Can Reduce Heating Costs

May 13, 2019

Heating bills across the country are the highest they have ever been, without any relief in sight. Even if your older furnace runs, from an economic standpoint it would be wise to replace it. With the proper furnace selection, your central air-conditioning bills can be lower too. Compared with a 17-year-old furnace, a new furnace can save the typical family hundreds of dollars per year. Based on the efficiency of your old furnace, probably 60% at best, a new furnace can cut your utility bills by 40%. You can do the arithmetic to determine your annual savings.

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Test Your Energy IQ

May 6, 2019

Answers follow the questions: Answers follow the questions: 1. For which jobs are microwave ovens used most?  Defrosting frozen foods  Cooking meals  Reheating foods  Preparing snacks 2. Microwave ovens are currently found in what percentage of all U.S. Homes?  23%

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History of Plumbing

April 4, 2019

A supply of pure water was essential for the first settlements of people who began to cultivate the land around them. Nomadic hunter-gatherers would have traveled to find water and other needs but, in order to settle, dependable rainfall, a perennial river or spring was necessary for crop irrigation. As settlement and agriculture became more intensive, people began to find ways of controlling their water supply including the diversion of rivers for irrigation and artificial watercourses to channel water into a settlement for drinking and washing. Mohenjo-daro, a town of 40,000, supplied water to

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Back Flow Prevention FAQs

April 1, 2019

Backflow Prevention Frequently Asked Questions Q. What is backflow? A. The water distribution system is designed to keep the water flowing from the distribution system to you the customer. However, when hydraulic conditions within the system deviate from the “normal” conditions, water flow can be reversed. When this backflow happens, contaminated water can enter the distribution system. Q. What causes backflow? A. Backflow is possible in two situations, backsiphonage and backpressure. Q. What is backsiphonage? A. When there is

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Heat Pump Replacement Tips

March 25, 2019

A heat pump can save as much as 30% to 40% of the electricity you use for heating. Why Buy an Energy Efficient Heat Pump? If you use electricity to heat your home, consider installing an energy-efficient heat pump system. Heat pumps are the most efficient form of electric heating in mild and moderate climates, providing two to three times more heating than the equivalent amount of energy they consume in electricity. Air source heat pumps are recommended for mild and moderate climate regions, where the winter temperatures usually remain above

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Water Heater Types

March 12, 2019

You have a lot to consider when selecting a new water heater for your home. You should choose a water heating system that will not only provide enough hot water but will also do so in an energy-efficient manner that will save you money. This includes considering the different types of water heaters available and determining the right size and fuel source for your home. Types of Water Heaters It’s a good idea to know the different types of water heaters available before you purchase one: 1. Conventional

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Understanding Water Meters

March 1, 2019

What is a unit of water? Water usage is measured by consumption units. One consumption unit is the same as 748.5 gallons or 100 cubic feet. A container five feet long by five feet wide and four feet high holds one consumption unit. Why is my consumption so high? Consumption may be high for many reasons. If a bill is estimated too low for a length of time, an actual meter reading may result in a large increase. More people may be living in the household. During the summer, water consumption

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Choosing a Water Heater

February 28, 2019

Choosing a Water Heater The first step in choosing a water heater is to determine the appropriate fuel type. Natural gas, oil, and propane water heaters are generally less expensive to operate than electric models. If you are considering electricity, check with your local utility company or electricity supplier to see if they offer off-peak electricity rates. If available, heating your water during off-peak hours will save you money. Using Off-Peak Power to Heat Water Most consumers use more hot water in the evenings and mornings than at other times of the day. For those who have

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