Tag: green

Save Energy and Go Green with Tankless Water Heaters

What is a Tankless Water Heater?

Having hot water available at the turn of a handle is one of the great modern comforts. Because hot water is so readily available, it has also become instrumental in public health by making hygiene practices so easy. How much less would people shower and wash their hands if they had to do it in cold water all the time?!

In most homes, hot water is provided by a water tank. Water tanks use burners or heating elements to heat a batch of water and keep it on standby waiting for use. As water is used, cold water rushes into the heated tank and eventually allows the tank to only provide cold water. Luckily, engineers have developed better solutions for hot water: tankless water heaters. Here are the reasons to switch to a tankless water heater. 

When is the Best Time to Replace an Old Water Heater 

cold water

The best time to install a tankless water heater is when the current water heater is on its last legs. Let's face it, water heaters are expensive, and there is no good reason to replace one before the current unit fails. But how can homeowners know when the time is right? Some of the signs that the current water heater is failing are: 

  • The unit is more than 7 years old or has outlived its warranty
  • Repairs are becoming more common on the current water heater
  • Leaks or unusual noises have developed
  • Less hot water seems to be available 
  • Energy bills are slowly climbing 

When any of these occur, it is a good time to think about replacing the water heater. Why not consider a tankless water heater? 

How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work? 

Tankless water heaters are completely different from their conventional counterparts. They take up far less space because they don't need a giant tank to hold water. Instead, tankless water heaters are installed in line with the current water piping. They use sensitive slow sensors to determine when hot water is called for from faucets or appliances. Once they sense flow they turn on powerful burners that heat water as it flows through piping. When flow is no longer sensed in the pipes, the burners turn off and wait until the next call. 

Reasons to Make the Switch 

benefits

Because tankless water heaters differ from conventional water tanks, they offer several profound benefits. Among these benefits are the following: 

  • Endless Hot Water: The unit will continue heating water for as long as it is demanded. This means no more being left in a cold shower. 
  • Lower Water Heating Bills: Water heating bills comprise a decent portion of monthly bills. Since tankless water heaters don't waste energy keeping water warm on standby, they save a lot of money. 
  • Longevity: Tankless water heaters generally last longer because they don't have to work constantly. While they generally cost more upfront, tankless water heaters' longevity, reliability, and efficiency make them the obvious choice for thrifty homeowners. 

About Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air

Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air can handle any water heater need. Their professionals are ready with upfront pricing from water heater maintenance to tankless water heater installation. Call today for fast turnarounds in Fairhope, AL. 

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St. Patrick's Day Green Home Habits

Incorporating Simple Green Habits in the Home

Going green in the home is a simpler task than people may think. It doesn’t mean homeowners have to change all of the appliances in the home or change what they drive. It’s a task as small as turning the water off while brushing teeth or not running the water while doing the dishes. 

Washing clothes in cold water is another way to go green. It’s been said that 90% of the energy used by a washing machine goes towards heating the water. Using cold water reduces the emissions of carbon dioxide and keeps clothes in better shape for longer. After the washer is done, homeowners can also skip the dryer and hang the clothes if possible. 

Another way to go green is to buy a water filter that fits onto the faucet or as a pitcher filled with tap water. This reduces the number of plastic bottles in the home that could end up in landfills. 

Cut the Water

Conserving water is a great way to reduce carbon pollution and save energy. One way to do this is to turn off the water when shaving or brushing teeth. This can save up to 8 gallons of water per day, adding up to over 200 gallons of water per month. 

turning the water off

Additionally, not letting the water run while doing the dishes is another way to save water and go green. If not using a dishwasher, most people tend to let the water run while they are washing dishes. To save water, homeowners can fill up one side of the sink, wash the dishes on that side, and quickly rinse on the other side. If it’s just one large sink, they can fill it up, wash the dishes, then drain and rinse. 

Don’t Flush the Wrong Stuff

Homeowners generally don’t think twice about what they flush down their toilet. It may seem like a good idea to dispose of medication or dental floss down the drain, but it’s not. When homeowners flush inorganic materials down the toilet, not only does it go to their septic, but it makes its way to the lakes, rivers, and oceans. 

Dental floss is something that seems harmless because it’s the size of human hair, but it’s not biodegradable. It can become tangled and wrapped around pipes, which can then lead to clogs. 

Additionally, flushing disposable wipes and paper towels down the toilet is a terrible idea. The fibers that the disposable wipes are made from are thicker than toilet paper and don’t break down as toilet paper does. The same goes for sanitary products. They are absorbent and will expand past the point where they can pass safely through pipes. Not to mention, they aren’t biodegradable either. 

Lastly, medications. Homeowners should never flush these down the toilet. They can contaminate the water supply because the sewer system isn’t designed to remove all toxins. The flushed medicine could eventually make its way into the water that comes from the kitchen faucet. 

Upgrade Appliances & Fixtures for a Greener Homeletters

Upgrading to appliances and fixtures that are eco-friendly has many benefits. One of those benefits is the conservation of energy. Smart, eco-friendly appliances use less energy than appliances that aren’t eco-friendly. The new technology on these appliances will slow the electric meter greatly. 

Additionally, water conservation is another benefit of eco-friendly appliances and fixtures. An Energy Star-rated washing machine can save 3,000 gallons of water per year while getting clothes cleaner than the old washing machine. New showerheads can also save water by slowing the flow of water. 

Lastly, eco-friendly appliances reduce the overall carbon footprint left on the environment. By switching to eco-friendly appliances that are water and energy-efficient, homeowners can reduce 3,600 pounds of carbon footprint in five years. 

About Affordable Plumbing Heating & Air 

Affordable Plumbing Heating & Air is a company from Fairhope, AL, in business since 1996. They offer a 24-hour response, prompt service, and no overtime charges. If they’re late, they’ll pay the homeowner. Contact them today to learn more about eco-friendly plumbing options. 

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