With things like global warming and climate change becoming increasingly serious topics for discussion, the question of what we can do as individuals to make a difference is being asked more and more frequently. Sometimes it seems futile and the idea that one person can make a difference seems impossible. But the truth is that if lots of individuals are switched on to change then suddenly it’s not just a single person making a difference, it’s a community or a nation and at some point hopefully a world. But what can you do to make a difference and to start using natural resources more sparingly and sustainably?
Just because it is available and it’s cheap, doesn’t mean that it is good. While it might fit your pocket in the short term if it means that your choice is going to contribute to global warming or the rise of the oceans then maybe you need to think twice. Ask questions and tell suppliers what you want. Use a company like Econnex who broker energy solutions across a range of suppliers and make sure you tell them what you want. Price is important, but look to make use of suppliers who use solar and wind as a way of generating electricity, stay far away from old-school fossil fuel solutions. It is possible.
Re-use your water :
If you collect your used water you will be amazed how much you get through on a daily basis. And unless you have implemented a grey-water solution to collect the used water it all just runs into the drains and disappears. Washing machines and showers and dishwashers. Brushing your teeth. Washing the car. These all use water and lots of it. And there is no need for your water to disappear down the drain after one use, it’s not environmentally friendly and it’s expensive. Water needs to be used as often as possible and with a few simple systems implemented it can be done easily.
Solar is real :
The sun has all the energy that we need and it is free. Traditionally storing solar energy has been the biggest problem preventing larger-scale rollouts of solar solutions. But on an almost daily basis, the technology that makes solar power effective is getting better and cheaper. Panels are much cheaper than they were ten years ago and batteries and other energy storage system are getting smaller and cheaper while increasing their capacity to store energy. Solar is the way of the future and it is something that can be done on a home-by-home basis. It is even possible to contribute electricity to the national grid and be a supplier rather than a consumer.
Collect rainwater :
Much like the sun in the paragraph above, rain is another resource that comes from the sky for free. It is clean and free and if we just put in place ways to store it, we could very quickly free ourselves from the need to buy water from the government. It might cost a bit to buy some tanks at the start of the process, but if your plan is to go off-grid and be totally independent then it’s a small price to pay for independence and sustainable living.
I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.
Keeping Texas clean is a priority for most Texans. Clean energy is one way to do that. Choosing clean energy helps lower carbon emissions, which helps to slow climate change. It also lowers overall energy costs and helps create a steady energy supply in the future.It can be cumbersome to sort through all the information on the internet to find an energy provider who uses renewable sources. Having a general idea of where to start and what you are looking for can really help you figure out what energy company to go with as you try to use clean energy in your home or business. You can find cheap energy companies in Texas and compare energy rates by making good use of energy comparison websites.
Understand Clean EnergyClean energy, also called renewable energy, is generated from naturally replenished sources. These sources include solar energy, wind, water, nuclear, bioenergy, and geothermal sources. All of these energy sources are practically limitless instead of fossil fuels, which can take billions of years to renew.When looking for a clean energy provider, it is good to start by looking at their energy sources. If they mention a specific kind of renewable source, it is safe to go with that option. You must be sure where your energy is coming from if clean energy is essential to you.Make sure you don’t just take them for their word if they use buzzwords like “clean energy” in their marketing materials. Companies may get a small amount of their energy from renewable sources so that they can make that claim. However, it would be best if you went for a company that gets at least 50 percent of its energy from renewable sources if you want your energy source choice to make a meaningful impact on the environment.
Find Providers Near You
When searching for a clean energy provider, the first step is to determine what companies provide energy services for your area. Unfortunately, some more rural areas may not have the option to choose a clean energy provider. For locations with that option, search for "clean power companies in Texas,” like Chariot Energy or a comparable source to power your home or business. With any power company you find, make sure that they are rated for both business and residential areas.
Investigate Your Options
Find out what companies provide energy services for your area. Look for their story and see how long they have been working in clean energy. Look for businesses they work with and investors or politicians they have ties to. Their associations can tell you a lot about how serious the company is about clean energy.You should also look up independent sources to get ratings on their clean energy track record. Search for individual companies on independent review websites and the Better Business Bureau to get an accurate idea of what they truly stand for. You also want to make sure they have an excellent customer service track record.
Compare Offers and Plans
Once you have decided on the power company you want to use, you will have to compare its plans. Some companies offer “green pricing,” which allows customers to pay a premium to use only clean energy. This premium helps companies with the added costs of switching to green energy and with the addition of other clean energy sources to their mix.Suppose you can’t find a company that offers clean energy, or you want to give a little extra help to the industry as a whole. In that case, you can also purchase green certificates, which help companies around the country transition to clean energy.
The Texas Choice
Deciding to move to clean energy is good for the environment and good for Texas. It can be confusing to sort through all the information out there, but if you stay organized and sort through the data in smaller chunks, you can find the right energy company. It can save you money and save the wide-open spaces of Texas in the process.Read Also:The Dallas Texas Resource for Metal Conex Boxes
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Having hot water ready and waiting can make everyday life much easier. But heating tanks of water that mostly sit idle wastes energy. This is where on-demand hot water dispensers excel. They provide instant hot water as needed without standby energy losses.Installing an efficient hot water system in your home or office lets you enjoy this convenience sustainably.Read on to learn what makes tankless water heaters eco-friendly, and how to pick the best model to maximize energy savings.
Why Instant Systems Beat Tanks
Standard hot water tanks heat and store 30-50 gallons of water constantly. This maintains availability but isn't efficient. The standby energy needed to keep large volumes hot all day adds up. The US Department of Energy estimates tank water heating accounts for 18% of home energy bills on average.Enhancing your home's efficiency and saving on energy bills becomes a breeze with hot water dispensers, particularly the instant or tankless variety. Instant or tankless water heaters avoid this waste by heating water directly on demand instead of storing hot water. Compact and wall-mounted, they detect when a tap is opened. An internal heating element quickly warms the water flowing through to the desired temperature only as needed.Top benefits of instant dispensers include:Energy savings from not heating excess stored water
Continuous hot water - it never runs out with an endless supply.
Compact size takes up less space
Long lifespan of up to 20 years with no tank corrosion
Lower monthly bills and environmental impactTankless instant systems can reduce household hot water heating costs by 30% or more.
Key Factors When Selecting An Eco-Friendly System
With so many instant heater models available, it's helpful to understand which features impact energy efficiency:Energy factor – A higher rating means greater efficiency. Look for 0.95 or more.
Flow rate – GPM determines how much hot water is produced per minute. Higher is better for larger homes.
Temperature settings – Lower heat settings use less energy. Models with a range are the most flexible.
Safety controls – Sensors that modulate power use based on demand improve efficiency.
Size – Right-sized units are most efficient. Undersized heaters have to work harder.
Energy sources – Electricity or gas. Electricity offers environmental benefits.Buying the correctly sized system with an energy-efficient design maximizes potential savings.
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Tips For Maximizing Efficiency
Beyond choosing a quality efficient instant water heater, certain usage habits also optimize savings:Set temperature only as hot as needed
Insulate pipes to reduce standby losses
Schedule a vacation mode to save energy when away
Limit excessively long showers that deplete capacity
Have the unit flushed and maintained yearly
Consider adding a recirculation pump if distances from taps are longProper installation and maintenance ensure your system runs at peak efficiency for the long term.
Smart Technology Provides Added Control
Advanced instant water heaters offer built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and smart features. These provide greater control and customization for increased efficiency. Look for models with:Remote temperature adjustments via phone app
Voice activation through virtual assistants
Usage tracking to identify savings opportunities
Away modes to conserve energy when traveling
Diagnostic alerts to prevent issues causing wasteSmart water heating provides detailed insights and controls at your fingertips, wherever you are.
Winterizing Your Instant System
In cold climates, taking steps to winterize instant water heaters prevents energy waste and damage from freezing. This may involve:Installing indoor models in conditioned utility rooms
Insulating outdoor water lines and pipes
Setting a vacation mode low temperature
Adding antifreeze formulas to the system
Draining water and blowing air through pipes before hard freezes
Maintaining optimal airflow around outdoor wall-mounted unitsA frozen broken water heater wastes all the energy it took to produce and install it. Proper seasonal maintenance sustains energy efficiency.
An Eco-Friendly Solution For Hot Water Needs
Instant tankless water heating systems represent a sustainable upgrade from outdated storage tank heaters. Their compact on-demand operation slashes energy consumption and bills. Choosing Energy Star-certified models sized for your household with high-efficiency ratings and smart capabilities optimizes savings. With some energy-conserving usage habits, you can enjoy endless hot water with minimal environmental impact.
Advanced Installation And Maintenance Tips
Proper installation and maintenance help ensure your instant hot water system operates safely and efficiently.Hire qualified professionals for complex venting and wiring needs
Follow all local building codes and permit requirements
Insulate connecting pipes to prevent heat loss
Flush annually to prevent scale buildup reducing efficiency
Check the energy guide sticker to confirm optimal electricity amperage
Keep intake openings clear to allow proper airflow
Vacuum exhaust ducts to remove accumulated dust
Replace water filters as neededRegular maintenance prevents future issues that could compromise energy performance.
Additional Energy And Cost-Saving Strategies
Beyond the instant water heater itself, completing your system with certain components increases efficiency:Recirculation pump - Circulates hot water through pipes back to the heater so it's instantly available at taps.
Drain water heat recovery - Recovers heat from draining water to pre-heat cold supply water entering the system.
Solar pre-heating - Solar collectors warm up cold water before it enters the instant heater, reducing the electricity needed.
Insulated pipes - Limit standby heat loss from pipes between heater and fixtures.
Low-flow fixtures - Reduce water demand so the heater doesn't have to work as hard.Layering on complementary energy-smart devices and practices amplifies your instant hot water system's eco-benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What maintenance do instant water heaters require?
Annual flushing of the heat exchanger and checking electric connections, temperature settings, and airflow around the unit are essential. Filters should be changed following the manufacturer's guidelines, typically around once a year.
Do instant heaters work well in cold climates?
Yes, but outdoor pipes and units need insulation and proper air sealing. Some installations in northern regions place heaters in utility rooms instead of mounting them outside.
How difficult is it to install an instant hot water system?
It's recommended to hire a professional for the complex venting and electrical work unless you are very experienced. Typical installs take a full day.
Final Thoughts
Tankless instant hot water dispensers provide an energy-efficient and sustainable upgrade from outdated tank heaters. Combined with eco-friendly usage habits and proper maintenance, they deliver significant cost savings and environmental benefits. Adopting a whole-system approach maximizes efficiency.
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Pretty much everyone has wished they had a backup home generator at one time or another. Whether you want a generator just so you won’t be left in the dark during a power failure or you need to know your family will be safe from the cold should a prolonged power outage happen during the dead of winter, buying a home generator requires some careful thought.Past the obvious choices of cost and reliability, there are a number of factors you should carefully consider before buying a home generator, such as price, your expected power needs, installation requirements, and maintenance issues.The variety of options and requirements can turn a seemingly simple purchase into a complex problem if you don’t know what you need. Here are seven specifications you should look for when buying a home generator:
Specifications You Need To Look For Home Generator
There are several factors you need to look at while seeking a home generator. Work out the plans that can work well for you.
1. Power Requirements:
Power needs are often dictated by your budget, as the more powerful a generator is the more it will, typically, cost. However, initial determining factors for calculating the size of the generator can be addressed with this query: During an electricity failure, does the generator need to power the entire house, or just handle emergency needs?When considering a generator that is able to handle the electrical demands of all the appliances in your home, factors such as peak demand during the months you use the most electricity is a deciding factor. Common generator voltages are 120/240 volts. If you are unsure, your electrician can provide this information.If you live in the south, where the temperatures are moderate throughout the winter, you will not need as powerful a generator as if you live in the far north where temperatures can be deadly in the winter months. A powerful home generator can make things easier for you.On the other hand, when calculating needs for backup supply, only the requirements of the reserve need to be calculated.In the north, this should include the furnace and a couple of lights. In the south, a smaller unit that can power a few lights and the refrigerator is probably adequate.For emergency loads, you may need to have an electrician install a dedicated emergency circuit from the main service panel to a distinct backup panel. However, this is typically up to the homeowner’s liking for a whole-house system.
2. Fuel Type:
While it might seem convenient, gasoline is usually an inferior fuel choice for emergency generators as it tends to go bad quite quickly, especially gasoline with ethanol. Better choices include propane, natural gas, and diesel fuel. Powerful home generator can make things easier and effective for you.Prices can be a major contention when choosing between a natural gas generator, or propane and diesel since the price of the generator will depend on the amount of fuel the generator uses. The accessibility of the form of fuel is an additional important element.Propane and diesel fuel generators will have to be refilled during extended outages, whereas the utility company provides a continual source of natural gas. Local laws may dictate what type of fuel is available in your area. For example, the fuel element, propane is not usually permissible to be used within the limits of the city
3. Installation:
Depending on the type of unit, you may need to hire a licensed electrician to install the generator. While smaller portable units simply require you plug a power cord directly into the unit, larger whole-house generators will need to be hardwired into your electrical system. Additionally, you will probably have to hire an authorized and insured plumber if you will be connecting the generator to a natural-gas fuel source.However, for simple emergency situations, a portable unit like gasoline-powered online Honda generators can provide up to 10,000 watts of emergency power and be stored in your garage, basement or on your porch. Some of the larger generator companies have their own installation staff or may subcontract the work.However, in some areas, depending on local codes, a homeowner with the proper skills may be able to perform their own installation. The important consideration is to use a trustworthy firm with a proven record of accomplishment of installing standby power-generator systems.
4. Placement:
Where your generator will be located is an important consideration. The home generator should be installed as close to the fuel supply and service panel as possible.The generator must also be positioned where it can be easily reached for servicing. This is especially important if the unit is not being powered by natural gas, as you will have to fill the tank periodically.Additionally, it must be located at a comfortable distance from the ground to prevent any form of water from coming close or entering the unit in case of flooding.Outdoor installations may be required to be a secure distance from flammable structures to meet codes, as well as for safety in the absence of any local requirements.Indoor installations should adhere to norms and rules regarding exhaust, closeness to flammable materials, fuel-supply, and ventilation.Even if local codes don’t require it, the power back up should be placed in some type of enclosure to protect it from the elements and possible vandalism.Consider if there are Outdoor Noise Regulation imposed by the local Council or government body for installing the home generator outdoors.Some municipalities require the noise level of a generator is restricted to a specified decibel level at the property line closest to the unit. If a noise ordinance exists, the required level of sound will dictate the kind of power generator that will be used. Quite a few residential generators are supplied with sound deadening enclosure.
5. Options:
Accessory options can vary widely, depending on the home generator make and model. Some systems will offer a remote panel that can be installed in a convenient spot inside your home that will have controls and displays to allow you to control and monitor your system without having to go outside. Larger whole-house systems will typically have an automatic transfer switch that will switch the generator on when a power disruption is detected and may be an option on some smaller units.
6. Maintenance:
Like any piece of mechanical equipment, and home generators require regular and proper maintenance to ensure it will do the job you bought it to do when the time comes. Unfortunately, because it isn’t typically used on a regular base, maintenance often isn't thought about, until the generator won’t start during a power outage.Some companies will include routine maintenance in the cost of the unit or you may be able to purchase a separate maintenance contract. If you are a do-it-yourselfer you can perform maintenance on your generator yourself, just be sure it won’t void the warranty.
7. Warranty:
The typical warranty for residential generators usually varies from one to five year, based on the manufacturer and model. Be sure to study the warranty coverage, including the duration, and what is and what is not covered. Many companies will offer an extended warranty for an added fee.Read Also:Advantages Of Using A Portable Solar Generator
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Winter Is Going! A Monthly Home Maintenance Checklist To Get You Ready For SpringFeatured Image: generatorpalace.com
