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

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How to Read the EnergyGuide Label

February 19, 2019

When you shop for a new appliance, look for the ENERGY STAR® label. ENERGY STAR products usually exceed minimum federal standards by a substantial amount. The ENERGY STAR logo is on all qualified products that meet specific standards for energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR-qualified products exceed the federal minimum standards for efficiency and quality — sometimes significantly. Look for the label on appliances, electronics, water heaters, windows, and other products that consume energy in your home. The ENERGYGUIDE Label To help you figure out whether an appliance is energy efficient, the federal

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Limitations When Replacing Existing Heating Systems

February 13, 2019

In an existing home, it’s important to consider the impacts of replacing your current heating system with a different type of heating system. The easiest route is simply to replace your furnace or boiler with an updated model of the same type, but this may keep you from your most efficient heating and cooling options. Here’s what you need to consider in the following situations: Switching Electric Resistance or Steam Heating to Hot Water Heating Electric resistance heating, also called electric baseboard heating, is the cheapest to install and the most expensive to operate,

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Operating & Maintaining Your Heat Pump

February 1, 2019

Proper operation of your heat pump will save energy. Do not set back the heat pump’s thermostat if it causes the backup heating to come on; backup heating systems are usually more expensive to operate. Continuous indoor fan operation can degrade heat pump performance unless a high-efficiency, variable-speed fan motor is used. Operate the system on the “auto” fan setting on the thermostat. Like all heating and cooling systems, proper maintenance is key to efficient operation. The difference between the energy consumption of a well-maintained heat pump and a severely neglected one ranges from 10%–25%.

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A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture & Your Home

January 16, 2019

Mold Basics The key to mold control is moisture control. If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly and fix the water problem. It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. Why is mold growing in my home? Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided.

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