Domestic Energy Consumption: How to Optimize It

Domestic Energy Consumption: How to Optimize It

The popular ways of reducing household energy use range from simple adjustments of our routines and habits to more or less extensive home improvement projects. However, for most homeowners the motives remain the same: saving on utility bills and reducing the environmental footprint. Here are the five most effective ways to waste less energy and save electricity in your home.

Heating and cooling

Since domestic climate control systems account for the largest piece of the energy use chart, they should be your priority in optimizing the energy efficiency in your home. Keep in mind that with every degree up or down, you can increase your running costs by 2-4%. It’s more effective to heat or cool down your home slowly over time than cranking the conditioner for the instant effect. Have your HVAC system serviced regularly to minimize the losses due to dust and debris in the system. In the evening, instead of plugging in an electric blanket, throw some extra regular ones on your bedding.

Entertainment tech

Even though your TV set and the gaming console, aren’t power-hungry machines by definition, the problem is that they often suck up electricity even when not used. For starters, try to have a TV-free family dinner. Not only will you reduce the running time, but also get to have some real talk with your loved ones. When not used for longer periods, such as over the night or while everyone is at work or school, make a habit of plugging out at the wall, as this eliminates ‘vampiric’ consumption of the power unit. Finally, when shopping for a new TV, look for one with a high Energy Star rating.

Computers and appliances

The number of appliances in homes is increasing with each generation of homeowners, and there’s nothing we can do but to use them responsibly. When chargers aren’t charging, unplug them to prevent energy leaks. Keep in mind that appliances on standby still use energy so unplug them as well. If you want to know how much energy your fridge or dishwasher consumes at any given time, consider data loggers with power usage and power cost functions. This may give you an idea if it’s time to get a newer, more economic model. Plug your computer peripherals into a separate switchboard, so you can turn them off without affecting the computer.

Interior and exterior lighting

Lighting typically accounts for a 10% of your energy use. While no one asks you to trip over things in dark to save energy, it’s more the type of lighting you use and when you use it that makes the difference. Try turning off the lights whenever you leave the room and use energy saving bulbs, such as LEDs. Unlike other options, their lifespan isn’t affected by frequent switching. Also, try to diversify and layer your lighting, as you most often don’t need to illuminate the entire room. On the outside, instead of flooding the empty garden with light all night long, choose a fixture with a motion sensor.

Hot water management

Hot water sometimes contributes to 17% of your household energy use. Keep in mind that the most efficient temperature for your hot water system is around 60°C. When you go on holiday or a business trip, turn off your water heater completely. The new models feature highly effective heating coils, and can heat up the water again in less than 30 minutes. If you live in a house, consider a solar hot water system, which will take a hefty sum out of the utility bill equation, especially in summer months. When it comes to dishes, run your dishwasher with a full load every time, as this is the most effective way to use it.

Even without expensive remodels and investments, households are able to save a fair percentage of their electricity bills if they adapt their behaviour towards more sustainable ways of using home systems and appliances.

 Guest Contributor, Lillian Connors

An Introduction To Renters Insurance Coverage

An Introduction to Renters Insurance Coverage

Renters insurance is an extremely affordable way for tenants to keep their belongings safe, with the average premium totaling less than $150 per year. Yet under 40% of all renters are insured, in large part because of a lack of awareness among tenants about the benefits of renters insurance.

It’s impossible to predict when an emergency situation will strike, and the best way to prepare for the unexpected is to stay insured. Understanding the benefits and coverage of a renters insurance policy will allow you to make an informed decision about acquiring coverage.

How Does Renters Insurance Work?

Since relatively few people purchase renters insurance, there are some common misunderstandings regarding what exactly is covered under a typical policy. Some tenants assume that they’re automatically protected under their landlord’s insurance, but the truth is that you need your own policy to be covered in case your possessions are damaged or stolen.

Many tenants wonder if renters insurance covers water damage, bedbugs, and other unexpected occurrences. While there are some important differences in the fine print of many policies, a typical renters insurance plan provides coverage up to a certain limit in case of weather events such as rain, wind, fire, and hail. That said, more extreme conditions like earthquakes and floods will generally require additional coverage, so it’s important to make sure you’re protected if you live in a vulnerable region.

Your policy will also pay for temporary relocation in case your apartment is no longer habitable, a responsibility that may or may not be picked up by your landlord. The price of a few coffees each month is well worth the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ll be kept on your feet no matter what happens.

Exceptions to Renters Insurance Coverage

While renters insurance provides critical protection for a number of costly situations, there are some things that most policies won’t cover. The first two examples are earthquakes and flooding, which many insurance companies offer as a separate policy. 

Under a standard renters insurance policy, you won’t be compensated for any damage done to extremely valuable or rare items such as jewelry and fine art. The most common insurance limit is $100,000, but you’ll likely still need to purchase additional insurance if you want these items covered.

Other common situations tenants often find themselves in, like losing a phone or having a pet cause damage, are not covered under renters insurance. Your protection also won’t apply to anyone else living in the apartment unless they purchase their own coverage.

Renters insurance is a low-cost, reliable method of keeping your belongings safe and ensuring you’ll have a place to stay even in a worst-case scenario. For less than a dollar a day, you can cover all the possessions in your apartment from loss or damage resulting from anything from fire to theft.

Guest Contributor, Armand Levitz

How To Organize a Small Kitchen

How To Organize a Small Kitchen

With the trend of eating healthy and home-cooked spreading throughout our busy lifestyles, a lot of people are spending more time in the kitchen. But as living quarters are getting smaller, the kitchen is often the first space to suffer, and we don’t exactly have space to spare. But don’t worry – you can still have a fully functional kitchen, even if you’re working with a small space. You just have to organize it well and most importantly, keep it tidy. Let’s see how you can achieve that:

Multipurpose tools

The first rule of any functional kitchen is to make sure it’s not cluttered. This means getting as many multi-functional tools as you can and learning to work with what you have. Perhaps you don’t need both a blender and a food processor, or you can get an oven with an integrated microwave. You really only need one frying pan, a few pots of different sizes and a baking dish. You can make any dish smaller by sectioning it off with aluminum foil and bake several items at once. Any tool that just simplifies a process that you’d normally do with a knife should be replaced by practicing actual knife skills and putting them to good work.

Work with the space you have

With small kitchens, off-the-shelf pieces probably won’t work well as they won’t maximize the potential of the space you have. You would be better off working with professionals who design and make custom kitchens. Perhaps you’re someone who loves baking and needs added counter space that you can expand in a second, or maybe you have a big family and need to be able to set a table for seven people while having it out of the way for the rest of the day. This is where custom design really plays in. It’s more work and you’ll have to plan it out well, but it will be well worth it when you start enjoying your new kitchen. Think about using every dead corner, every nook and cranny, and all of a sudden, your kitchen will seem a lot bigger than it did before.

Use vertical space

As with every smaller space, you’ll want to use every single square inch, which means the walls need to be fully utilized. A good way to do this is to hang a peg board to the wall, equip it with hooks and start hanging up anything from pots to spatulas. It will clear out a lot of the space from the cupboards, giving you more storage room. If you have tall ceilings with a detached counter in the center of the room, you can consider a hanging element over the counter which will carry additional cookware. The space below counters, tables and skins should be used as well, so make sure you’re not letting it go to waste. If you have a free wall, creating a vertical indoor herb garden could be a great way to use the space, bring in some color to the room and improve your cooking.

If you think you don’t have enough space, it’s probably just not organized well enough, and you have things that you don’t use. If spending time in the kitchen is a priority, you should probably look for a property with added kitchen space, but a coat of white paint and some decluttering can go a long way in transforming your kitchen. Just make sure you make a habit out of washing dishes regularly and putting things back into their designated space, because even the biggest kitchen won’t be any good to you if it’s too messy to use.

 Guest Contributor, Diana Smith

Easy Ways to Cozy Up Your Home

Easy Ways to Cozy Up Your Home

What is it that you love about your home? Some will talk about location, some about the size, and others about functionality. But what all of us have in common is that we love that feeling of joy and relief as we step into our homes after a long journey or a tough day at work. That doesn’t come from the location or the amount of money you’ve invested in sprucing the place up. It comes from all the little personal touches that you and the ones you love have put into every corner of your home. And if you seem to lack that heart-warming feeling, here are some ways for you to make your home cozier and more welcoming for you, your family and anybody else who decides to visit.

Add some warmth to your sofa

The living-room sofa is usually the place where most families gather to watch films, play board games together or share a pot of hot tea while talking about how everybody’s day went. That’s why you should start there. Add a throw blanket to your sofa and your armchair, and don’t be shy with cushions either. Make sure you choose soft, warm and fluffy fabric in various colors and patterns. As long as you’re making the place more comfortable, why not add some style to it as well?

Step on clouds

When the temperatures outside drop, there’s nothing worse than stepping on cold floor with your bare feet. So, if you don’t have wall-to-wall carpets, you can always get some area rugs. Opt for natural materials, like cotton, wool or jute, and don’t hesitate to layer them for extra coziness. Furthermore, if you have a pair of nice, comfy slippers next to your front door, you can put them on as soon as you enter your home and have them thaw your feet from the freezing cold outside.

Create a perfect reading spot

There’s nothing more inviting than a nice reading nook, some hot tea and the characters from your favorite book just waiting for you to join them in their next adventure. First, find a place near a big window, so that you get plenty of natural light. Second, invest in a lovely egg chair and perhaps even an ottoman for your feet, both in premium fabrics and a color of your preference. Finally, put a small table next to your chair, so that you have a place to put down your book and your tea cup or a coffee mug. What more could a person want?

Dress your windows up

Bare windows or short, light-colored and translucent curtains are modern and cute, but if you want to add warmth to your living space, you should consider some other options. For example, thick and heavy pattern drapes that fall down to the floor will definitely do the trick. Not only will they visually make the room more pleasant, but they’ll also help insulate your home by preventing cold from leaking through your windows.

Let your home show what you love

Displaying things like your family photos, your kids’ drawings or holiday cards from your closest friends and family will add some personal charm to any space. You can also print and frame some inspirational quotes and messages to reflect your beliefs and temperament. And why stop with the visual? If there’s anything that turns a house into a home it’s the smell of freshly-baked cookies. So, either bake your favorite cookies, or at least get a few scented candles for each of your rooms.

Don’t forget the bathroom

First thing’s first. Get a reliable plumber to check all your pipes for leaks. Once you know you’re on the safe side, you can relax and start adding some bath mats, shower and window curtains, as well as some plush towels. If the size of your bathroom allows it, consider replacing your shower with a beautiful bathtub, where you can take long, hot bubble baths whenever you feel like it. Throw in some string lights for ambient lighting and a house plant or two in the name of eco-friendliness and your bathroom will become as warm and as welcoming as the rest of your home.

These tips are just a small part of what you can do to add some allure to your home. And while there are many more wonderful ideas out there, these are a great starting point for turning your home into an oasis of comfort and warmth.

Guest Contributor, Cooper Klein

How To Effectively Prepare Your Business For A Natural Disaster

How to effectively prepare your business for a natural disaster

The key to succeeding in the world of business is leaving no blind spots. And one of the main blind spots would be forgetting that the world of business coexists with our own world – a world fragile and susceptible to various misfortunes. According to a survey published by CNBC, as much as 40% of small businesses never reopen after a natural disaster. These numbers need to be taken very seriously.

So, let’s take a quick look at the things you can do to prepare your enterprise for the times of crises.

Assess the risk

Some areas are more prone to natural disasters than others. Likewise, some industries run a higher risk of losing their assets as a consequence of these calamities. That’s why, if you ever want to develop a comprehensive response and prevention plan, you need to do a thorough risk assessment. Essentially, a regular risk assessment consists of these three parts:

●        Identification of potential hazards

●        Identification of the assets that could be at risk

●        Impact analysis

Try to determine the cost of interruptions

Once you know the dangers your business can face and the assets that can most likely be affected, it’s time to see how much money you may lose due to damage and downtime caused by the disaster. While doing this, don’t be afraid to go with less optimistic projections – underestimating the real costs of the disaster can only stall your business even longer. Here's the short list of the topics your projections should cover:

●        Lost income

●        Payroll during down times

●        The cost of temporary office space

●        The cost of relocation

●        Rebuilding

●        Liability

Review the insurance coverage

Investing in property insurance is one of the best ways to make sure your business will be able to rebound after the damage has been done. However, you have to make sure that the premiums you are paying are able to cover the costs of property replacement in the case your premises suffer a total loss. Fortunately, you can always resort to professional building insurance valuation to make sure your assessments are accurate enough. For example, if your valuation is off by just a wrong construction material, your insurance won’t be able to cover the loss and your business may need more time to recover.

Prepare the emergency plan

Your employees need to have a written procedure of how they are going to behave in case of a disaster and they are forced to leave their workplaces. Of course, writing the emergency plan is only a half solution. The emergency procedures should be prominently displayed throughout your premises and your workers should practice evacuation at least once a month. Also, it is a good idea to include your digital assets into the emergency plan as well. A thorough backup strategy should prevent loss of valuable data which can be equally as crippling as the loss of physical assets.

Establish clear communication rules

Once the disaster strikes, the survival of the business and the safety of the employees depend on the speed and the communication method. How are you going to contact the employees? What happens if the premises are closed during a disaster? What’s the fastest way to distribute relevant updates? In the time of crisis, these questions can cause a lot of confusion. That is why you need to write a communication plan that will address these problems through clear rules and procedures.

Create a crisis response network

Of course, your business is not an isolated entity and the eventual losses you may have to endure in the case of calamity may be caused by external factors. For instance, what if your suppliers are cut off or having the same problems as your enterprise? Because of that, it would be a good idea to have a meeting with all the parties involved in your business's operations where you will present your emergency plans and try to coordinate your actions. This emergency response network can have its own budget and executives and eventually expand to other local establishments.

These six steps should help you to prepare your business for any kind of danger that might be lurking down the road. We don’t really get to choose when some kind of misfortune may befall our companies and try to ruin the years of hard work we put into them. But, we can choose how we are going to deal with these problems.

About the author: Mike Johnston is a home improvement blogger and DIY enthusiast from Sydney. He is a regular writer at Smooth Decorator and contributor to numerous home, lifestyle, real estate and eco-friendly blogs. Mike’s goal is to create and share meaningful content that helps and inspires people.

Simple Care For Your Dishwasher

Simple Care For Your Dishwasher

Fortunately, the majority of dishwasher hitches are avoidable with correct usage and proper maintenance.

The modern life conveniences in our homes today make life easy and save us a lot of time and labor. The dishwasher is among the precious appliances that make kitchen chores very easy. Additionally, it uses less water and less water heater energy as compared to washing dishes by hands.

However, you will notice that your dishwasher loses its cleaning efficiency or start to develop an odor over time. Your personal efficiency can also reduce when your dishwasher goes on a fritz or fails to deliver performance as it used to. Fortunately, the majority of dishwasher hitches are avoidable with correct usage and proper maintenance. Therefore it is crucial to care for your dishwasher and keep it in good running condition.

Here are some simple care tips that will ensure your dishwasher performs efficiently.

1) Scrape Food Off Before Loading

Dishwashers do not need you to rinse the dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. However, they require that you scrap the food off using a rubber food scrapper. Removing the big chunks from the dishes prevents clogs once the cycle is over, increases efficiency and increases the service life of your dishwasher.

2) Avoid Overcrowding

Do not be tempted to layer in one more plate or bowl to avoid hand washing. Overcrowding the dishwasher can reduce its efficiency, and you may end up with less that clean dishes. Always remember that cookie sheets, big bowls, and other large items frequently block the spray of water from the arms hence preventing the flow of water from properly cleaning other items.

3) Clean Filters or Screens

Every dishwasher brand and model has a filter or screen designed to trap food waste. Remove the filter or screen, soak it in hot water, dish soap it, scrub it gently and rinse it to remove food residue. This prevents clogs and food wastes that have been trapped in the screen or filter from getting back on your dishes.

4) Ensure to Level Your Dishwasher

The appliance needs to be even on the ground to run efficiently and prevent leaks. Place a bubble level in the dishwasher to check that your dishwasher is level. If the washer isn’t level, adjust the legs or add a wedge to ensure it is properly leveled.

5) Clean the Sprayer Arm

The sprayer arm in the dishwasher sprays streams of hot water to the dishes, giving them a thorough cleaning. Over time, food deposits and other debris can clog the sprayer arm. It is important to occasionally clean these holes to enable the washer clean dishes more efficiently.

When cleaning the sprayer, remove it and soak it in warm vinegar for some hours to loosen the clog. Clean the sprayer with warm water and detergent and then wipe it down with a damp towel. It is however recommended to refer to the manufacturer’s manual for detailed instruction on how to remove and clean the sprayer.

6) Clean the Seals and Door

Washers have seals around the door rim to prevent the appliance from leaking while operating. Over time, food gets stuck on the door rims and can cause the seals to deteriorate, making the dishwasher leak. Regularly wipe down the door and rubber seals with a damp cloth, to avoid buildup of grime.

7) Do Not Use Hard Water

Do glasses and silverware emerge from your washer spotted and cloudy? Or do you notice whitish crust on your washer’s heating component? If yes, the problem could be as a result of using hard water. Hard water has a high level of magnesium, calcium and other minerals. These amounts of minerals can lead to rust, causing poor performance or even failure of some expensive parts like heating components and pumps.

If you use hard water, you may need to install a water softener to help your dishwasher work at its best.

8) Fight Mold and Mildew

It is normal for mold and mildew to develop in a dishwasher. Fortunately, it is easy to get rid of this problem. Run an empty wash cycle with two cups of apple cider or white vinegar or use liquid chlorine bleach. Run another empty cycle to ensure the bleach or vinegar is completely rinsed out of the dishwasher.

Observing these simple tips can make your dishwasher more efficient and prolong its service life. In case you encounter a serious problem, be sure to get help from your local plumbing experts.

Charlie Teschner started MESA Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling in 1982. Charlie has a journeyman and master plumber’s license. He was raised with a strong work ethic and he now applies those values to tasks such as Longmont, CO heating repair.

7 Important Traits of a Good Plumber!

7 Important Traits of a Good Plumber!

You can face some recurrent plumbing problems in your residential and commercial properties like clogged drains, leakage of pipelines and tap ware, faucet problems and overflowing sinks and basins. If you face this kind of problem in your home then you need to hire a professional plumber. They can solve the problem within few hours, and they can also suggest you the possible safety measurement to avoid such issues in future. When you do not research well while looking for the plumbing professional, ultimately you may have to spend more money. Many people also keep the price charged as the utmost priority and hire the one that offers services at low prices without any research.

7 tips to Hire a Professional Plumber:

When you are looking for the plumbing professional, the professional you hire should possess a few qualities.  You need to check few features of the plumbing services before hiring them like license, certifications, experience and their price range.

1. Punctual: There are professionals that give estimated time of arrival but only a punctual professional will give you an exact time and will be there as well. It is worth hiring a punctual professional for your service. If they do not arrive according to the appointment then you can avoid them because plumbers must meet the emergency issues, and they must solve the problems and save your time.
2. Attention to Details: A good plumber is the one that pays attention to the details. To solve a problem, there needs to be proper planning and the professional should consider all the elements while planning. Along with that, you can also install some plumbing channels and accessories in your home, and the plumber must discuss with you about the details and plan the layout accordingly.
3. Licenses: The plumbing professionals that you are willing to hire should possess a license. They should meet specific requirements as well as pass tests to get the license. Basically, the license ensures that the professional is experienced and knowledgeable to solve the plumbing issues. 
4. Cleans the Mess: You need to hire the plumbing professional that cleans the mess as well. There are some that leave the mess for you and this is certainly not professionalism. Thus, make certain that you ask them about the services they provide before hiring. Also, ask them about the right way to dispose of the waste such as debris, wrappers, cut pipes etc.
5. Clear Quotes: Before the work starts, a good plumber is the one who provides you with the clear quotes for the work. The quote needs to include all the necessary details with the labor cost. Usually, some do not include the labor cost and this creates a problem in the future. Therefore, you need to discuss about the price and then you have to make a signed agreement with the plumber before he starts the work.
6. Rectifies the Issues: Even a professional can make mistakes, thus, in case there is any issue while doing the work, and then he should be willing to rectify it at the soonest. Also, in case you notice some problem, then you should be upfront and ask him to solve.
7. Good Communication Skills: The plumber should have good communication skills in a way that he does not only listen to your problems but also understands it completely. Also, a good plumbing professional will make you understand what the problem actually is and how it could be solved. 

So now you can hire some professional plumber according to your budget and always check their insurance papers. If there are any damage or accident occurring during the repairing and installation process, then you would not need to pay any additional cost, the insurance company will bear this charges.

Guest Contributor, Jack Louis

How 5 Home Decorating Updates Can Raise Your Home Value!

How 5 Home Decorating Updates Can Raise Your Home Value!

Your home is your sanctuary. It is the place in the entire world where you would want to settle down after a long tiring day at work. No matter if you are off to an adventurous trip, hanging out with friends, off to a business meeting or anything else; your home is where you want to return to and relax while spending quality time with yourself or with your family. Therefore; your home should be a place which should display maximum levels of comfort and luxury.

If you are thinking of selling your home in near future; chances are that you will be able to get a good price of it if you take care of some simple few home décor steps. Making sure your house is clean is also key to getting a good price.

Moreover, a neat and organized home is always worth a thousand bucks no matter if you are planning to sale it or not. Check out these 5 amazing home décor updates that can increase the worth of your home without making much effort about it.

1.     Take Care Of Your Kitchen:

You might take it for granted but kitchen décor holds the key towards a valuable home in every sense of the word. Therefore, special attention should be given towards adding more beauty and style to your kitchen.

You can add delicate glassware in crockery items or a modern cooking ware to the kitchen décor. Moreover, small plants can be placed in the window of your kitchen to add a touch of freshness to its overall ambiance.

2.     Furniture Is Important: 

Your choice of furniture says a lot about how important your home décor is to you. Since furniture is something that would not be getting changed so often; you have to check its durability and efficiency before making any purchase.

Over the recent years; the trend of adding leather sofa sets is very much in fashion especially in the living rooms and study rooms. Therefore; you can also increase the value of your home by buying one pair today! 

3.     Add Colorful Beddings: 

Give your bedroom that extra edge of style and comfort by putting funky colored bed spreads, cushion sets and pillows.

Floral bedding sets and animal printed comforters are very much in trend therefore you should go for one as well. Moreover, you can purchase matching curtains and carpets or rugs with your beddings to create a perfectly balanced ambiance. 

4.     Focus On Outdoors:

 If you intend to make your home the best one in town; you got to take one step ahead. Generally, we focus on the interiors of our homes but forget to take care of the exterior ambiance.

Since, the outdoors is the first thing that your visitors will notice; you need to decorate it more. Paint the main entrance door, take care of your lawns and clean your terrace. You will love your home more.

5.     Magic Of Artwork:

The artwork that you put up in your home will make it look magical and fascinating. Try adding a few black and white portraits or beautiful abstract paintings in your living room and bedrooms.

Not only artwork and pictures give your home a more vibrant and chic look but they also make it look more aesthetically appealing and hence more valuable.

Author Bio: 

This post is written by Julie Austin. She loves traveling, home decorating and hanging out with her friends. She regularly blogs at http://mybedcomforter.com/

Is It Significant Installing a Tankless Water Heater?

Is it Significant Installing a Tankless Water Heater?

Who would not enjoy a leisurely bath after a long tiring day? A hot shower relaxes muscles and instantly relieves the person of the pressures. All that you need here is some quiet time and a tankless water heater to offer you hot water instantly. One can enjoy a hot shower instantly provided you have a continuous flow of water. Apart from a quick shower or a lazy bath, there are numerous benefits you can get from a tankless water heater.

Here Are Some Of The Advantages Of Installing Tankless Water Heater:

• Heats Up Quickly: When you look at the gas heating system, you will find that the water heats up quicker this way. This is the most convenient way of heating the water especially in a household that has a lot of people. When you have kids or infants, you cannot afford to wait for the water to take a longer time to heat up. Hence, people invest in the gas hot water system. With regular maintenance, you can ensure that you have a continuous supply of hot water.
• Energy Efficient: A tankless water heater is known to be an energy efficient system. The tankless water heater ensures that very little heat is wasted. This way it works out to be a better option to heat water as compared to a regular gas water heater. Additionally, you can choose a system wherein you can have hot water as and when you need. This means you will not have hot water running all the time thus saving the loss of water from the storage tank.
• Eco-Friendly Alternative: If you are constantly on a look out for an environment-friendly way of living then tankless water heater is something that you should be looking forward to. The gas is the cleanest way of heating the water. When you compare this way of heating the water with any other method, you will find that there are no or very few emissions. Thus, there is not much impact on the environment. This system of heating the water leads to lesser air pollution. Hence, you can confidently invest in this technology.
• Saves Energy Bills: The costs of electricity bills are increasing and you will not want to add up to the expenses. With a tankless water heater, you will not need to worry about the power bills. A gas system is much cheaper than the electricity or any other source of heating the system. Hence, if you have been complaining about increasing power bills, then you should be switching to a tankless water heater.
• Fitting Options: When you choose the gas hot water systems to heat up the water, you can choose to get it fitted in the indoors or the outdoors. Depending on the space available to you for getting the system, you can easily pick on the spot. Unlike the other systems that have to be installed at specific locations, you will not have to worry about any such specifications with a tankless water heater.
• Safety Settings: The user can access the system controllers to ensure that temperatures are just about right. One can use them for getting the desired temperature. The gas system comes with settings to help you not just control the temperatures but also manage other safety features. Additionally, you do not have to worry about leakage or corrosion when you have this system.

You can also access the gas system along with the solar heating system if you wish to. And, if you invest in the right brand, then you will not have to worry about replacing it for next 15 or 20 years.

Guest Contributor, 

Author Bio: Evan Javier

I am professional blogger specializing in all king of blogger such as health, travel, business, home and a lot more. Follow me on google+ and twitter.

Benefits of Hiring a Licensed Emergency Plumber

Benefits of Hiring an Emergency Plumber

Plumbing issues are very unpredictable and can occur at any time especially when you are not expecting it. The worst time that it happens is when you are away from home and it just destroys everything. It pays to hire plumbers from time to time to check the home’s plumbing, but not all of us do it right! For those who haven’t experienced a plumbing emergency yet ask the ones who have and in addition consider the benefits of emergency plumbers discussed in this article. In such plumbing emergency scenarios, an emergency plumber can be a lifesaver. They not only can help you with any emergency plumbing problems but can also offer other benefits.

Plethora of Emergency Plumbing Services

In addition to being available in case of a plumbing emergency, emergency plumbers offer a plethora of other services too. They need to be equipped for any situation that may arise, be it a water heater breakdown, blocked drainage or a burst pipe. They need to have the expertise and tools to repair these in no time and you can be sure that an emergency plumber can come with the necessary skill set to tackle any tricky situation.

Customer-Oriented Service

Emergency plumbers keep their services available 24/7. They do not have fixed timings and adjust themselves to the needs of the customer. Their services are more customer-oriented and can deliver at even odd hours rather than insisting to their time slots. Despite this exclusive service their rates are quite nominal and almost at par with the regular plumbers. So, all you get is quality and reliable service.

Stress Free

This is probably the greatest benefit of hiring an emergency plumber form the perspective of the customer. Getting a plumbing emergency at odd hours can really be stressful and emergency plumbers understand that. Thus, they make their services available to you 24/7 so that you can relax with the thought that there is someone keeping your back. An emergency plumber usually comes insured and licensed so you can be again stress free that the job is being done by a professional.

Licensed and Insured

Emergency plumbers usually go through rigorous training to be well equipped, calm and composed in stressful situations. They get a licensed certificate as well as are insured so that you are not liable to any injury caused to the emergency plumber while you have hired their service. So, a licensed and insured emergency plumber means that you will receive the highest quality work and quick solution to your problem without any liabilities.

Regular Plumbing

 Emergency plumbers offer regular preventive plumbing services. So, you can hire their expertise to make sure that your home is free of any potential plumbing dangers. All their services come with a guarantee or warranty so you can be assured that their regular checkup is reliable and you will not face any issues in the future. Even their post plumbing emergency service comes with a warranty so you can be sure of a permanent solution to your problem.

With all these 24/7 benefits an emergency plumber can certainly prove to be a lifesaver. However, when opting for one, ensure that he has an appropriate license and insurance. Also, go through reviews or customer recommendations to know the quality of his work. All of this should be handled well in advance before a plumbing emergency arises rather than later when you are in a stressful situation. Use the services of an emergency plumber to carry out regular checkups and maintenance that can help avoid a plumbing emergency in the future. So, keep an emergency plumber’s contact handy and be stress free.

Guest Contributor, Melissa Hamler