An Insight into Contemporary Hot Water Systems

An Insight into Contemporary Hot Water Systems

Consistent and instant access to hot water is paramount in every household. The only problem is that water heaters are some of the most energy-hungry appliances in an average home that account for 15% of utility bills. That is to say that those who are using a suboptimal heater risk losing hundreds of dollars every year. On the other hand, making a wise upfront investment enables one to reap many benefits over a long haul. Here are the key factors you should take into account before going on a shopping adventure.

Knowing Your Options

Technology is constantly improving and heaters are more efficient than ever. However, they are not created equal and besides, needs of people differ wildly. A new heater may seem like an expensive purchase, but do not wait for an emergency to strike or your budget to slowly melt. Get familiar with the basic types of heaters available today. There are four common options to choose from:

·       Conventional storage heaters are still the most widely used of all. They maintain a steady reservoir and release the water when you use the tap in the home. As the hot water level drops, the cold water enters the reservoir and replenishes the used water. One big downside of conventional storage heaters is the fact that they constantly heat water via a stand-by energy process. Hence, from the energy-efficiency standpoint, they lag behind their counterparts. 

·       Tankless (on-demand) water heaters certainly have an edge in the green department because they do not face you with stand-by energy losses.  This is due to the lack of a standard reservoir, which so many people are used to. When you turn on a tap, the cold water simply travels to the heater. In there, gas burners or electric heating elements raise the temperature and supply you with hot water galore.

·       Indirect water heaters are unique in a sense they are an integral part of the household heating system. Much like conventional storage units, they maintain a certain amount of water in a tank. However, the difference is that they are not using their own heat source to provide hot water. Instead, they harness heat from a furnace or a boiler. This “native” integration makes them rather energy efficient.

·       Solar water heaters are a newer addition to product palette, a staple of renewable energy home systems. As the name suggests, they capture sunlight to heat the water in the tank. So, unlike all other heaters, they do not use common energy sources—propane, natural gas, and electricity. Active versions have circulating pumps and controls, while passive models lack them.

Making The Right Call

Regardless of your choice, make sure to maintain your heater properly. That is the key to increasing its longevity and long-term performance. All heaters have their lifespan and some are harder to install than others. With this in mind, you should find reliable local pros, as the guys behind Hot Water Nurse, for all your repair and installation needs. Furthermore, never lose sight of energy-efficiency, bearing in mind that older models are always less efficient than the newer ones.

Once you decide on the type of water heater, you have a few more steps in the decision making process to complete. One of the key factors is the appropriate size of the heater. For instance, if you live just with your partner, it is not like you require a conventional unit with a large reservoir, as that would only lead to inflated energy bills.  \

Guest Contributor, Lillian Connors

Test the waters  

Heaters are essential appliances no home can do without. But, an unfortunate choice can also cause many problems and headaches. So, it is crucial to research different sizes and types of heaters. There is no shortage of quality solutions out there and you want to purchase the one that is right for your needs. If you play it smart, the investment is likely to pay dividends as you will trim your energy consumption and bills. To get the most bang for your buck, take your time when shopping around, and commit to regular maintenance. Do not rush such an important decision.

Budget-Friendly Backyard Landscaping Ideas

Budget-Friendly Backyard Landscaping Ideas

Your home is your castle, and it should also be a reflection of who you are, or so they say. It’s not a good idea to put in a lot of hard work and effort to make the interior of our home look amazing but completely ignore your backyard. If you’re worried about spending a fortune on backyard landscaping, you can relax – there are many affordable ways you can turn your backyard into a charming oasis of peace. Read on to find out what you can do to make your backyard look amazing without breaking the bank.

Pretty patio

Summer is beautiful but it’s also hot, which is why a lot of people choose to spend as much time outdoors as possible. In order to be able to entertain guests in your backyard, you should have a comfortable seating area where you can organize little parties. It doesn’t matter if you’re thinking about birthdays, anniversaries, good old barbecue parties, or you’re just dreaming about a place where you can enjoy your coffee breaks, patios are perfect for you. Patios are the best choice because they look great on your lawn, they provide a nice shadow or useful hiding place in case of heavy rain. All in all, they are both useful and beautiful places where you can spend your free time with your friends and family.

Garage alternatives

We all agree that having a nice dry place for your car is important, but does it really need to be a garage? Garages might be useful, but they are wasting your precious space in your backyard which you can otherwise use for something nice and creative such as a children’s slide or an above-ground swimming pool. As an alternative, you can call professionals from Malibu Shade Pty Ltd to set up carpark structures which are multifunctional. Such structures can serve as an alternative for a garage or storage space and they can be removed when you need some additional space.

Plant more trees

Being ‘green’ is very important, and everyone can do little things which will help save the planet. For example, you can start by planting more trees in your backyard. There’s no better place to start because it’s your property and you can plant whichever tree you want. It’s up to you whether you’ll opt for a decorative tree such as oak, maple or linden which not only look good, but provide great shade, or perhaps you’d like something ‘multifunctional’. You can always plant fruit- bearing trees such as apples, cherries or walnuts and enjoy not only the shade but the fruits as well. Even though it might take a while for the trees to start bearing fruit, once they do, you’ll be happy to eat them. What is more, tree blossoms look and smell magical in spring, thus creating a blissful atmosphere in your backyard. Go ahead and contact https://www.thelocaltreeexperts.com/il/chicago/ if you need any tree services.

Light up the atmosphere

It’s amazing how a few ordinary lamps can make a big difference in any environment. Can you imagine an exciting movie night with a bottle of your favorite beer and a bowl of popcorns in your garden? Why not?! All you have to do to make this happen is to make your backyard a bit more comfortable. Your lawn has to be nice and neat but also well-lit. You can use your old night lamps or you can install vintage lanterns. If you don’t have any, you can find cheap ones at any flea market. Bring out bean bags and old blankets, light up the lamps and arm yourself with drinks and snacks. Now all you have to do is pick the right movie.

For homeowners who are fortunate enough to have an unlimited budget, renovating and upgrading a backyard is a piece of cake. For others, this means a bit more careful planning and hard work, but it can still be done. You don’t need to spend a fortune to turn your backyard into an oasis of peace; start planning and be prepared to do a bit of work yourself and you’ll be happy with the results.

Guest Contributor, Diana Smith

How To Maintain Drainage Systems

How To Maintain Drainage Systems

A home’s drainage system is an important part of its structure. Ideally, drainage systems should be installed properly using high-quality materials during the construction period. However, there are times when contractors fall short and instead of using high-quality pipes and coatings, low-standard materials are used to cut down on costs. 

You don’t need to be an expert to know if your drainage system was done perfectly. If it was done shabbily, you’ll notice that over time you will see leaks on your sink, floors, and even walls. If you are experiencing this, then there is no need to panic because there are ways for you to fix it with or without professional help. 

1.      Trace where the leaks are coming from

Before you assume that you have defective pipes or sinks, first know where the leak is coming from. Chances are the leaks can also come from behind the walls because the pipes pass that area. You can also check the cabinet beneath the sink. If the leak comes from the pipe connecting the sink, then you can assume that that pipe needs repairing. 

2.      Replace all defective parts

Now that you know that there’s a leak in a pipe or an O-ring starts to drip, don’t try to repair them. Instead, buy a high-quality replacement so you don’t have to repair it often. Some people think that repairing damaged parts with epoxy or coating is cheaper; however, it could prolong the life of your pipes only for a short amount of time. It’s always better to replace defective parts immediately. 

3.      Insulate pipes

Insulating pipes means covering them with a coating that can keep the warmth inside the pipes. When the winter season arrives and there is no running water passing through them, the pipes can become brittle which makes them break easier. That’s why it’s advisable to have running water whenever the cold season comes. 

4.      Renovate defective drainage systems

When all else fails, you have to resort to renovating your drainage. This sounds easier said than done because a complete renovation of your drainage means that certain structures would be torn down to make way for new pipes hidden behind or in between walls. 

Plumbing Tips for Beginners

While the previous tips often require a professional to do it, you can fix leaks at home with these simple reminders:

•  Use a bucket to hold your tools. This is also a good way to catch water when it flows.
•  Use a plunger for clogs in your toilet or sink. Using plungers is the most common way to remove clogs because it is also the cheapest. 
• Turn on faucets to check for leaks when you’re done repairing. This will help you know if there are still parts that need to be fixed. 

Leaky drainage should not be a big problem because there are DIY methods that you can do when you notice leaks and damages on your pipes and sinks. If there are cases that the problem escalates, you can always contact a plumber or an expert at repairing or renovating damaged drains. 

Guest Contributor, Eva Semon

Don’t Make The Toilet The Star Of The Show!

You woke up this morning and decided to remodel your bathroom. I would love to tell you that it's that easy. It usually takes time, money and lot's of planning.  

When remodeling a bathroom, you're able to start fresh.  When entering a bathroom, you want your eyes to focus on the tub/shower/vanity/chandelier, not your toilet. Unless, you really are trying to make your toilet the main focus, because you're purchasing: a custom, historic, or extremely futuristic piece.

The bathroom is the number one used room in the house, they are a necessity, you should put effort in the design. If you're remodeling your bathroom, are you remodeling the bathroom: to increase value to your home? To add space? Improve layout? To update it? Because you have to sell the house? Add technology? Or, because you're bored?  

Which bathroom in the house are you remodeling? Each bathroom is different.  

This is where you should focus in the bathroom..... 

Hall Bathroom- Wall Design, Lighting, Chandelier 

Master Bathroom- Tub 

Kid's Bathroom- Wall Decor 

Bachelor/Bachelorette Bathroom- Tile Design or Wall Paper.... Flap Screen/Touch Screen Computer....  LED lights  

Guest Bathroom- Vanity & Mirror 

As a plumbing contractor, I'm able to move your plumbing (of course you have to be reasonable on where you want it moved). If you have the time, we are able to start from scratch. We could redesign your bathroom not just remodel the bathroom.  

Here are some very unique toilets for your enjoyment.  

86 Ways To Enjoy The Summer With Your Kids

SUMMER FUN

1.       Play in the pool outside.

2.       Visit your local community pool.

3.       Go running around your neighborhood.

4.       Camp out in your backyard.

5.       Have a BBQ

6.       Have a Hot Dog party.

7.       Learn new recipes.

8.       Visit your local Farmer’s Market.

9.       Enjoy Tinley Park’s Cruise Nights every Tuesday night on Oak Park Ave.

10.   Play Pokemon Go, go around town catching them all.

11.   Visit your local Library.

12.   Go hiking.

13.   Free Family Night at Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier (Thursday Evenings and First Sundays)

14.   Visit Maggie Daley Park

15.   Splash around at Millennium Park Crown Fountain.

16.   Tinley Park’s Music in the Plaza, every other Saturday night (Zabrocki Plaza).

17.   Visit Lincoln Park Conservatory.

18.   Visit Lincoln Park Zoo.

19.   Visit Brookfield Zoo.

20.   Buckingham Fountain.

21.   Go swimming at Montrose Beach.

22.   Family Kite Festival in Elmhurst 8/6/2016.

23.   Chicago Air & Water Show 8/20 & 8/21.

24.   Robotics Day Camp in Tinley Park.

25.   Watch a kid’s movie at Marcus Cinema in Orland Park.

26.   Odyssey Fun World in Tinley Park.

27.   Go Bowling.

28.   Biking in Forest Preserve

29.   Play softball with your neighbors.

30.   Eat ice cream at your local ice cream shop.

31.   Listen to music.

32.   Dance around to music.

33.   Have a water balloon fight.

34.   Watch a fireworks show.

35.   Have a block party.

36.   Plant flowers.

37.   Play Laser Tag.

38.   Take a bubble bath outside.

39.   Go bird watching.

40.   Stage a play.

41.   Build a fort.

42.   Invent something with old parts in the garage.

43.   Collect lightning bugs.

44.   Go on a picnic.

45.   Bake cookies.

46.   Visit your local Firehouse for a tour.

47.   Play board games.

48.   Make instruments out of junk around the house.

49.   Lay out and look at the stars.

50.   Visit an animal shelter.

51.   Play Hide & Seek.

52.   Make funny skits.

53.   Make a movie with your friends.

54.   Ask your neighbors if they need their pets walked.

55.   Visit your local park.

56.   Play card games.

57.   Cook a meal with your kids.

58.   Make a fun homemade pizza.

59.   Have a movie night at home.

60.   Make a painting.

61.   Visit grandma & grandpa.

62.   Learn magic tricks.

63.   Make s’mores.

64.   Eat popsicles.

65.   Blow bubbles.

66.   Build paper air planes.

67.   Tell stories with a flashlight.

68.   Visit a lake.

69.   Make tacos.

70.   Eat frozen yogurt.

71.   Build sandcastles.

72.   Have a video game party.

73.   Open a lemonade stand.

74.   Have a talent show with your friends.

75.   Run through sprinklers.

76.   Go to a carnival.

77.   Draw with sidewalk chalk.

78.   Wash the car.

79.   Build a Lego tower.

80.   Play I spy.

81.   Learn a new language.

82.   Volunteer.

83.   Read a book.

84.   Build a campfire.

85.   Create a scrapbook.

86.   Take a nap.