About Salman Zafar

Salman Zafar is the CEO of BioEnergy Consult, and an international consultant, advisor and trainer with expertise in waste management, biomass energy, waste-to-energy, environment protection and resource conservation. His geographical areas of focus include Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Salman has successfully accomplished a wide range of projects in the areas of biogas technology, biomass energy, waste-to-energy, recycling and waste management. Salman has participated in numerous national and international conferences all over the world. He is a prolific environmental journalist, and has authored more than 300 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. In addition, he is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management and environmental sustainability through his blogs and portals. Salman can be reached at salman@bioenergyconsult.com or salman@cleantechloops.com.

4 Eco Lifestyle Habits You Should Start Implementing

In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, Mother Nature is finally starting to breathe a little easier again. Indeed, it could be argued that this has been the major benefit of the coronavirus pandemic. The rules and regulations rolled out by political leaders in different countries might be tough, but these encouraged citizens from different parts of the world to change their ways and become more environmentally conscious.

But with lockdown restrictions now easing, it might prove tempting to lapse back into old, environmentally destructive ways. So, to help combat this, we’ve compiled a few simple lifestyle changes to ensure the planet continues to heal.

1. Go organic and shop local

You might have to pay a little more for the privilege, but by shopping and eating locally and organically, you’ll soon start to notice not only the taste difference but the positive difference in your overall health.

With the UK now considering lowering its standards when it comes to importing food, with the dreaded chlorinated chicken now on the table in trade deals with the US, keeping it fresh, organic, and local has never been more important.

compost-organic-waste-farming

The concept of safe food using organic waste generated compost is getting traction.

Aside from helping improve the environment, going organic and shopping local can also boost your local economy. By patronizing products and services from your locality, you are providing income to local workers and encouraging businesses to continue their operations. Going organic and shopping local is something everyone must do in order for their countries to easily recover from the effects of the pandemic.

2. Travel by train

We understand that travel by public transport hasn’t exactly been actively encouraged in recent months, but sooner or later, the world will return to some semblance of normality, and when that happens, train travel is comfortably one of the least damaging forms of transportation.

Of course, we would always recommend walking or cycling if at all possible, but we realise this won’t always be a realistic option. So, rather than firing up the car and spending a good hour wading through rush hour traffic every morning on your way to work, why not switch up your commute? This is particularly relevant in London, where trains from East Croydon to Norwood Junction are running constantly and provide faster and cleaner transport.

biomass-train

Travelling by train might be uncommon for some but making the change will surely be worth it in the long run. Travelling by train allows you to take care of the environment and save money. Moreover, train travel can be a great way to meet new people and appreciate the views in your locality.

3. Go paperless

It’s never been easier to lead a completely paperless life thanks to the digitization of most sectors and data. You’d be surprised how much paper is possible to get through if you’re not careful. The vast majority of services, however, now give you the option to go paperless as a good habit for the environment.

It’s often as simple as logging on to your bank accounts or your energy provider accounts and ticking a box. You can also help the cause a little further by ensuring you recycle all the paper and card you have already used and only printing off hard copies of documents when it’s 100% necessary.

It’s easy for anyone to start going paperless. If you usually receive your bills through physical mail, reach out to your service provider and have your bills emailed to you. You can also go paperless at work by encouraging your colleagues to send out emails for communication instead of printing documents regularly.

4. Avoid bottled water

Green living doesn’t always have to be difficult. Sometimes, it can even save you money! There is absolutely no legitimate reason to continue buying bottled water in this day and age. Plastic is a blight on our environment like no other and bottled water creates more plastic than almost any other product on earth.

water-filtration-systems

A water filter is a cheap and elegant way to filter out any of the potential chemicals and contaminants that might make your tap water seem like a less attractive option. And think of all the money you’ll save, too! Oh, and while you’re at it, ditching plastic bags is something you should really be looking into, as currently, only around 3% of the world’s plastic bags are being recycled!

If you want to take it up a notch, carry a water tumbler inside reusable cotton bags, such as those from calico-bags.com.au. You should always bring reusable bags when you step out of your house because these will enable you to carry your purchases with ease and save money from buying plastics every time you buy something.

Conclusion

Incorporating eco-friendly habits to your life can be challenging at first, but if you want to preserve the environment and ensure that it continues to provide for your needs, you should be willing to make the change. Your efforts will surely go a long way to improve or maintain the condition of the environment!

The Three Biggest Financial Crises

While the pandemic has become the hardest test for all countries of the world, it is not the first major blow to the global economy. We have compiled a selection of the three largest financial crises that hit the global economy the hardest.

largest financial crisis of all times

1. The Credit Crisis of 1772

By the mid-1760s, the British Empire had amassed a huge fortune through its colonial possessions and trade. All this contributed to the rapid development of the country, pushing banks to more active lending.

Banking partners Neil, James, Fordyce & Down lost £300,000 on shares of the East India Company. On June 8, 1772, Fordyce fled to France, trying to hide from paying debts.

News of Fordyce’s escape quickly spread throughout England, causing panic among depositors, and the crisis quickly spread to other parts of Europe. Historians say the economic fallout from this crisis sparked the Boston Tea Party protest in 1773 and launched the American Revolution.

2. The Great Depression

The stock market crash in the USA in 1929 provoked one of the main financial and economic catastrophes of the twentieth century. The depression continued for nearly 10 years and resulted in massive losses of income, record unemployment, and a drop in manufacturing, especially in industrialized countries. In the United States, the unemployment rate reached nearly 24.9% at the peak of the depression in 1933.

Experts name overproduction and the lack of proper oversight of the actively developing exchange market among the reasons for the economic decline, since the purchasing power of the population did not match the number of goods on the market and there were too many fictitious companies and financial fraud present.

largest financial crisis

3. The Great Recession of 2007-2009

The largest financial crisis since the Great Depression was caused by the mortgage crisis in the United States and a sharp increase in the number of non-payments on mortgage loans with a high level of risk. It damaged the economies of countries around the world, led to the collapse of one of the leading investment banks, Lehman Brothers, and threatened many major financial institutions and businesses.

Even though the Great Recession officially ended in 2009, ordinary people have faced negative consequences for many years due to the slow recovery of the labor market and falling property prices. As a result, the crisis has left millions of people unemployed and caused billions of dollars in damage. Kailash Concepts, a quantamental investment research firm, mentioned in one of their articles how to invest during a recession. You might want to check it out. Who knows, there might be another recession that is going to happen.

How to Be Prepared for Major Financial Crises?

Generally speaking, even the richest person is not prepared for a sudden fall of the economy. Of course, having substantial savings does help yet doesn’t guarantee complete financial safety. The latest example is the COVID-19 outbreak that caused a lot of individuals and businesses to lose their main sources of income. If you have found yourself in a difficult financial situation, keep in mind that you can always turn to Payday Depot for prompt loans.

Green Home Improvements to Attract Homebuyers

People’s desire to make a smaller footprint on a vulnerable planet affects the real estate market worldwide. In part this is due to the Internet’s power to inform and inspire, and it is partly due to who is buying the most homes. Millennials have made up more than half of homebuyers over the last few years. And millennials, surveys have shown, are willing to pay more for sustainability and the greenest possible living.

They often opt for new construction with the highest eco-friendly standards, but not every buyer will purchase a new home. Some millennials are not ready to make that financial commitment, and some will not be buying in trending locations that have lots of new green construction. So to attract buyers to an existing home, green home improvements can be a big win. Not only will the homeowner be doing the right thing by the planet, but also homes can sell faster and for more.

Although making green changes to an existing home can be complicated and expensive, there are many levels of improvement that vary in cost and difficulty.

What Meets the Eye

Green home upgrades the buyer can see in an existing home make a difference. If you are upgrading, you can go more sustainable and energy-efficient in these areas:

  • Non-toxic paint: The volatile organic compounds (VOC) in some paint can damage air quality and lungs. Choose a low-VOC paint to get that fresh, neutral look buyers want.
  • Sustainable flooring: Replace worn-out floors with highly renewable bamboo, with responsibly grown and harvested hardwoods, or with natural linoleum products.
  • A cool roof: Renovate the roof with light-colored materials that reflect heat.
  • Energy-efficient appliances: Update the kitchen with appliances, and even faucets, that run on less energy and/or use less water.
  • Native plants: Refresh the landscape with plants native to the environment, that will need less specialty care products and that will support local ecology.

Energize

Green changes that make a home energy-efficient will attract buyers and also give sellers the ROI of an eco-friendly home. Because they save money, these improvements also make money and bring return on investment.

  • Update to a Smart Thermostat: A programmable thermostat ensures heating and cooling meet your needs without waste.
  • New windows: The U.S. Department of Energy reports that 25-30% of energy costs literally get sucked right out of old windows, where leaks in both directions waste resources and money. New windows also beautify a home.
  • Weather protection: If new windows are not an option, caulking and weather-stripping are also efficient.
  • Tankless water heater: Upgrade an old water heater that needs to go anyway with a tankless one, that heats water as needed. Why waste energy heating gallons of water all the time?
  • Recycled water: Systems for catching rainwater, or holding water from sinks and tubs (greywater) can save waste and money. This water can flush toilets and water gardens, among other uses.
  • Renewable energy sources: Depending on the climate, solar panels and/or wind turbines can provide energy in place of using other, non-renewing resources.

Before making eco-friendly home improvements, research is the seller’s best tool. Understand the options, costs, and benefits. An experienced real estate agent can advise on what green home improvements are most wanted and bring the best ROI in the local market. Also make sure the home is appraised by someone experienced with green features, to make sure their real value is represented in the appraisal.

Useful Resource: Benefits of Energy Quoting Software

5 Actionable Tips to Use More Renewable Energy

The world doesn’t seem to stop when it comes to consuming energy. As each country experience growth and development as a society, their needs for power increases to keep up with the pace of their expansion. The process is a natural one.  It’s even socially encouraged, but that doesn’t change the fact that it takes a toll on our planet. More of the world resources are exploited and processed to become fuel.

While denied by many of these industries for a long time, the ugly side of energy consumption has been exposed for the whole world to see. It has increased the awareness about the need to embrace alternative energy and waste solutions that are renewable and cleaner to avoid contamination and slow down the degradation of our many natural ecosystems.

how to use more renewable energy

Many of the initiatives to use clean energies are embraced in multiple countries. Some of them are backed by governments and private industries looking to preserve our planet and fix some of the damage caused by our constant demands of resources. Many people believe that individual efforts don’t count. The fact is that every single bit of help they can get adds up a lot. If you are a student looking to make a difference in this world, check out green MBA programs.

Here are 5 actionable tips you can follow to make proper use of renewable energy on your premises:

1. Embrace Solar-Powered Technologies

If you haven’t realized it yet the sun is the most powerful energy source in the world and no one can charge to use it. This is why many developers focused on creating technology that makes the best use of the power delivered by the light and radiation offered by the main star in our solar system.

Nowadays, you can get solar-powered vehicles, and solar panels to distribute energy at your home. Such solar technologies can be a bit expensive but is durable as nothing else in the market, plus it is a one-time investment at best!

2. Crowdfund Clean Energy Projects

Many communities are willing to go green and use green energy sources when they are presented the right project. Most of the times the neighbors’ just need to see a well-laid plan explaining why using renewable energy sources will be more affordable for them in the long run.

A solar-powered community project in Laos

The environmental angle can also be helpful, especially for those homeowners that live close to natural reservoirs and wish to keep the value of their properties by safekeeping the environment.

3. Support the Society of Concerned Scientist

This is an amazing initiative to get businesses and the world to become more educated and use more renewable energy.  I am not affiliated with the society at all, but it may be one of the most actionable ways to help the environment because they have built up a lot of support and assets.

Check out what they are doing here.

4. Use Water-processing Technology

Many households and modern housing projects can make use of this technology to recycle the water sources they use and avoid the unnecessary waste of such vital liquid.

The basic principles of this initiative require investment in processing plants and large tanks that can either be installed on the foundations of your home or at the side of it. Your house will always have clean running water, and you won’t take much from the natural sources near your place.

5. Wind Power for Home or Business

Many locations around the world are using wind-powered turbines to generate electricity, and it has become a business opportunity for many entrepreneurs around the world. The plants are easy to install, and the energy is very cheap to produce.

Wind-powered energy has generated an excess of power in certain locations such as China, Germany, Australia and some regions on the USA with these plants selling they’re overproduced to regular energy plants. The power provided by these alternatives is cleaner than most and very easy on a family budget.

8 Eco-Friendly Solutions For Your Home Remodeling

Environmental awareness is spreading around the globe, and that is good. The more we know about what we can do to save the planet, the more we actually do. And, fortunately, it doesn’t take much – you can simply bring your reusable coffee cup to work, buy green vehicles, or use environmentally friendly solutions for your next home remodel.

If you want to know what they are, you should keep reading – we have prepared this article especially for you. Here, you will learn to buy reclaimed items, donate stuff you don’t use, re-face items instead of replacing them, insulate, use low or no VOC paints, and some more. Read on and make sure that you can make informed decisions when opting for eco-friendly home remodeling.

ecofriendly home remodeling

1. Buy Reclaimed Materials

This is probably the easiest thing you can do to help the environment while doing eco friendly home improvement. Reclaiming is the process of recycling materials that people would usually throw away. You might be surprised to learn that quite a large percentage of the things we discard can actually be recycled.

Reclaimed materials include products that have been used before, like bricks, wood, clay, concrete, stone, glass, etc. These items are usually in good condition, so you won’t need to spend a lot of time and money on restoring them. Moreover, buying reclaimed stuff is an investment in the future because you are contributing to saving the environment.

On the other hand, you can also reclaim and salvage some materials yourself. For example, if you are looking for a garage door repair in Tulsa or consider replacing it completely, do not rush to throw your old garage door away. Instead, you can think about repurposing it to use it for longer – like creating a DIY bench for your patio. Or, you can look for local charities nearby and donate the materials to them.

Many other items can also be reclaimed. Don’t forget about your cabinets, countertops, and flooring. These things can be donated to local charities as well or used in other homes where they are needed. It is also good to know that salvaging and reclaiming do not just benefit the environment but also save money for homeowners.

skip bins

2. Donate Stuff You Don’t Need

Another thing that you can do for the environment when remodeling is donating things that you don’t use anymore. This is an excellent way to put them into good use while making a difference at the same time. Donating items means that they will not end up in a landfill, meaning less pollution and reduced landfill bills for taxpayers.

If you donate something, you should make sure that it is in good condition so that someone else can actually use it. That is why many people tend to re-gift items instead of donating them. If you’re uncertain whether an item is good enough to be donated, think about how many times you have used it in the past few months and whether it still has a few more years left in it. If not, ask yourself whether someone else might be able to use it.

decor-from-old-books

3. Re-Face Old Furniture

Do you want to replace your old furniture items, but you don’t have the budget for that? Consider re-facing them instead of replacing them. You will need to sand off the finish and then apply several layers of paint. Make sure that you use paint with low VOCs. It is essential to protect indoor air quality, so it is crucial to choose paints that do not emit toxic substances.

Re-facing furniture is a great way to save money and help the environment at the same time. It is incredibly easy and inexpensive, and the results can be amazing. Re-facing is often much cheaper than replacement because you don’t have to buy all the materials and hire a professional worker for installation – you just get some paint or other material and do it yourself! If you want your home to look great without breaking the bank, this is something you should consider.

4. Insulate Your Home Wall

Do you want to save energy? You can do it by insulating your home wall. In fact, insulation is one of the most effective ways to cut down your heating and cooling bills throughout the year and reduce energy use in general. Proper insulation will also help prevent condensation and mold, so it is definitely worth investing in this process.

If you want to get a proper insulation job done, you should hire a professional team of contractors that will install insulation in your attic as well as in your walls. This is a large job that requires pro attention, so make sure that you find a great team of specialists who will ensure quality work that will result in lower heating bills and lower energy consumption in general.

home-insulation

Before hiring insulation contractors, make sure that they use high-quality construction materials and are familiar with local building codes (if applicable). If you are not sure whether you need insulation or how much of it you should have, contact an experienced contractor who will inspect your house to determine what kind of insulation suits it best and whether insulating will be worth it in the long run.

5. Use Low or No VOC Paints

VOC stands for volatile organic compounds. They are found in paints, and most of them are toxic to people and animals. That is why it is crucial to check paints before using them – imagine how many toxins people inhale when painting their home walls.

ecofriendly home remodeling

Luckily, there are paints with low or no VOCs, so you should go for them. These products do not harm the environment, and you can be safe using them during your next home remodel. If you want to know whether a particular paint has low or high VOCs, ask for a VOC emission rate from the seller. Many stores are obliged to tell you how many VOCs you will inhale during the painting process.

6. Don’t Use Conventional Paints

Conventional paints are loaded with solvents that can irritate your skin and eyes. They can also cause respiratory problems, so you shouldn’t use them when painting your home walls or furniture pieces. The good news is that there are many eco-friendly paints out there that are non-toxic and environmentally friendly. These paints will not pose any danger to your health or the health of your family members – they are safe to use anywhere in your home.

7. Use Green Power

If you are going to use electricity, it is important to use green power – renewable energy. That means that you should consider investing in solar energy panels or wind turbines. It might be a bit pricey to buy these items, but it is definitely worth it. By using green power, you contribute to a greener future – which is our only hope if we want to have a planet to live on.

solar-energy-diy

8. Use Low-Maintenance Materials

You can save money and protect the environment at the same time by choosing low-maintenance materials for your green home renovation. For instance, you can choose stone or brick as exterior surfaces – these materials are durable and will not have to be repainted or stained more often than once every 5-10 years. And because they don’t need much maintenance, they won’t emit VOCs into the air.

The key to environmentally friendly home remodeling is to stay away from toxic paints, materials, and products. By using low or no VOC paints, reclaimed wood, and other recycled items, you will not only save money, but you will also contribute to a better planet for your children and grandchildren.

Conclusion

When renovating your home, you can do it in an eco-friendly way. In fact, you will be doing something good for the environment when buying reclaimed materials, using low VOC paints, insulating your home well, and many other things.

You should definitely think about these eco-friendly home features the next time you are planning a new home improvement project. You will be able to save money and help the planet – which is a great thing!

How Magnetic Lock Systems Work – Pros and Cons to Know Before Upgrading

Are you considering upgrading the locks on your property? If so, magnetic lock systems could be an effective way to add security to your home or office. But as with anything else, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of these locks before making your upgrade decision.

In this post, thankfully, we’ll cover the major questions you might be having in mind, including how magnetic lock systems work, their benefits, alongside some drawbacks to consider before making a decision. Read on to find out more!

Pros and Cons of Magnetic Lock Systems

How Magnetic Lock Systems Work

Also known as mag locks or electromagnetic locks, magnetic locks use powerful magnets to secure a door. When current passes through the electromagnet in the lock, it is drawn towards the armature plate attached to the door, holding it securely shut.

To open these doors, special access cards or codes are used. These activate an electric release system, which then disengages the magnet so one can push on the door handle and enter.

Due to their immense reliability, magnetic locks are commonly used in premises such as bank back offices, government offices, airports, hospitals, and commercial buildings in areas that require a high level of security.

Pros of Upgrading to Magnetic Lock System

Magnetic locks offer a myriad of advantages to property owners and operators, both in terms of security and convenience. One of the major benefits of magnetic locks is that they make it incredibly difficult for unauthorized persons or potential intruders to gain entry. They are also fairly easy to install, easy to use, and do not require physical keys.

And since card access systems can be added or upgraded quickly and easily at any time if needed, the need for costly lock replacements is diminished significantly over time. Moreover, magnetic locks reduce energy costs due to their lack of a mechanical lock or cumbersome electrical wiring required by other locking options.

This is not to mention that modern versions can be integrated with remote control access, which allows authorized users to lock or unlock the door from a remote location.

Pros at a Glance

  • Magnetic locks provide enhanced, high-level security
  • Easy to install, use, and upgrade if needed
  • Reduced energy costs
  • Can allow remote control access for convenience

Cons of Upgrading to Magnetic Lock System

One of the main drawbacks of magnetic locks is that they require a large initial investment, though this cost can be advantageously spread out over time. Furthermore, depending on your property’s existing access card system, integrating it with a new magnetic system may prove difficult and costly as well.

Additionally, entry codes or card-swipe access must always be kept secure and up to date to ensure maximum security from potential infiltrators or criminals who might try to compromise the lock itself.

Finally, if the power goes out due to an unforeseen event, all electronic locks may cease working until restoration occurs, unless you have a power backup plan.

Cons at a Glance

  • Require large initial investment, though costs can be spread out over time.
  • Integration with existing access card systems may prove difficult.
  • Entry codes or card-swipe access must always be kept secure and up-to-date.
  • A power outage can disrupt the functionality of electronic locks.

In conclusion, upgrading your doors with magnetic locking systems can be a great way to not only enhance your property’s security but also increase convenience and ease of use. By putting measures in place to mitigate the potential drawbacks, you can enjoy the benefits provided by these lock systems to the fullest.

Green Heating And Cooling Technologies To Help The Planet And Save Money

An estimated 60% of internet users are prepared to pay more for eco-friendly products, showing that people are becoming more aware of using sustainable merchandise and services. Residential heating and cooling are important expenses of a household, and with electricity prices rising, finding energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems is now more urgent.

In addition, an increasing awareness of personal responsibility of climate change is also driving consumers to adopt greener lifestyles, while some are forced to use sustainable options to comply with environmental regulations.

Geothermal HVAC Systems

Heating and cooling a home or building cost money. Conventional systems mostly use fossil fuels that are expensive and cannot be replenished. Furthermore, non-renewables are not good for the environment because using them increases pollution levels, causes greenhouse effects, and destroys the ozone layer. The good news is that technology is constantly updated to find the most efficient and effective way of heating and cooling a home, giving thought to limited resources and maximizing the output of HVAC systems.

green heating and cooling technologies

For example, the geothermal HVAC system is one of the most recent technological innovations for greener heating and cooling. The principle is to put unexpended energy into use to heat or cool a home. In winter, water that absorbs the heat from the earth’s crust is circulated in the underground pipes and then returned to the indoor heat pump, which extracts the heat and re-distributes it as warm air throughout a house.

During summer, the reverse operation takes place when the indoor heat pump pulls out the hot air from a structure and takes out the heat. Cool air is left behind and is distributed throughout the house using the vents of the AC. Removed heat is re-injected back into the earth.

The biggest advantage of geothermal systems is that they are 25-30% more economical than traditional heating or cooling systems, drastically reducing your energy consumption. In addition to lower emissions, these systems also improve indoor humidity.

Harnessing Solar Power

Solar power is nothing new, but it is a very effective way of generating electricity to run your air conditioner, provide heat, and give enough energy to operate appliances. It saves you money and helps the environment because it is a renewable source of power. A solar HVAC system will use the sunlight to heat a liquid or air transferring the heat directly to the desired interior space for immediate use. It can also be stored in tanks for later use. For central heating, solid liquid collectors are used.

solar cooling system

To cool a house, a solar cooling system will make use of a plate to capture the sun’s rays, converting it into energy which will, in turn, work to power the compressor in the AC system. In addition, solar panels attached to roofs cool the house by providing shade from the sunlight, as well as heat at night, by keeping it in the interior the entire day.

Bottom Line

Geothermal and solar HVAC systems are two green technologies that will provide heat and cold air to a house sustainably. They are both clean energy, are kind to the planet, and help in reducing your utility bills.

Benefits of Solar Lighting in Gardens

When it comes to your home, it is natural that you want it to look great. However, it is not just the interior of your property you need to focus on but also the exterior. If you love to spend time in your garden, there are various ways in which you can make it look better. One of these is to use the right lighting and for many people, this means investing in solar lights for the garden.

Choosing solar lights offers a range of benefits including making a big difference to the overall appearance of your garden by using these lights. There are many different designs and types of solar lights, which means you can find the perfect ones for your garden. If interested to get one, bestoftools.com has reviewed the best solar-powered garden lights and many other useful gardening tools.In this article, we will look at some of the key benefits of using solar lights for your garden.

Key Benefits of Solar Lighting in Gardens

There are multiple benefits you can look forward to when you choose solar lighting for your garden rather than other types of lighting. One of the key benefits is financial, as you can expect far lower bills from your energy company if the lights you use are solar powered according to an expert from Provision Power & Gas. The great thing about this is that you can enjoy having a garden that looks beautiful and lights up as it gets darker, yet you won’t have to worry about your energy bill rising.

Another great thing about choosing solar lights is that you can do your part for the environment. When you turn to solar lighting, you can draw on the energy from the sun to light up your garden and make it look more attractive. We all need to do our part when it comes to the planet and by conserving energy by using natural sources, you won’t have to worry about wasting energy and paying higher bills as a result. Everyone wants their garden to look nice so they can enjoy pleasant surroundings when outdoors, and this is a great way to make your garden look magical.

Of course, one of the key reasons people choose solar lights is so they can boost the aesthetic appeal of their garden. With so many different lights to choose from, you can select the perfect ones for your garden. This includes everything from outdoor fairy lights through to ground lights, hanging solar lanterns, and much more. The right lights will help to add not only light to your garden but also color and stunning beauty.

Transforming Your Outdoor Areas

By investing in solar lighting, you can help to transform your outdoor areas and enjoy having a wonderful place to relax. You can use solar lighting both at the front and back of your home so you can help to improve the appearance of all of your outdoor space. The simplicity of these lights makes them even more appealing, as you simply need to position them in the right place where they can get plenty of sun during the day.

Beginners Guide for Always Having Hot Water in the Home

The search for a method to obtain fast hot water on demand is a constant quest for homeowners. Although it may not be as ubiquitous as something like the quest for life, the idea of immediate hot water has passed the minds of almost everyone who has ever seen water go down a drain when waiting for the water to heat up has thought about it at some point.

Having to wait for hot water when you need it is a big inconvenience. When you realize how much water will be wasted, it may even make you feel a bit guilty, though perhaps not guilty enough to take an ice-cold shower first thing in the morning.

Lucky for us, there are solutions!. A recirculating mechanism, a demand system, and water heaters in the tank or tankless configurations are the options for obtaining immediate hot water at the tap.

hot water guide

Why Does It Take So Much Time?

Understanding why it may take so long for the water that comes out of the tap to be heated will help us figure out how to obtain immediate hot water. While the age and efficiency of a water heater, as well as the amount of insulation in a home’s pipes all, play a role, the most crucial reason is relatively straightforward:

For the hot water to flow through the faucet, the cold water must first be drained out of the pipes.

Following its release from the heating system, the hot water must travel via a network of pipes before reaching the faucet. In front of the heated water seems to be the water cooling in the cold pipelines since the previous request for warm water.

In certain instances, the distance between the water heater and the faucet is longer than you think. Consider, for example, a typical two-story house in the state of Texas. Depending on how the water heater is placed, it may not take long for the water to get hot at the upstairs taps and showers to switch on. As a result, water may not reach the bathroom and kitchen showers and faucets downstairs for a minute or two. However, the water will eventually reach the desired location. It may take even longer during the winter since the initial gallon of water is chilled as it passes through the freezing pipe system.

What are Your Options?

Because each homeowner’s requirements vary, there is no “one size fits all” solution. However, there are four methods for getting immediate water from the faucet.

1. Water Heaters That Recirculate Water

Using a conventional tank heating system, turning the knob at the faucet begins the hot water traveling through the pipes. However, if the water in the pipes has already been heated by the time you turn the tap on, hot water is available at the tap instantly.

A recirculation system links the furthest point of a drainage system returning to a water heater using a plumbing pipe devoted to providing hot water just to that point. Because hot water is constantly cycling through the system, it is instantly accessible at every faucet.

The most significant advantage of the system is that hot water is available immediately at every shower head and faucet, which saves time and reduces water waste. In addition, recirculation systems are frequently triggered by a thermostat, which activates the mechanism when the water temperature falls below a certain threshold. These systems may also be triggered by a timer that can switch off the system during periods when the house is vacant or when hot water is not required, thus saving money on energy costs.

2. Systems for On-Demand Hot Water

When purchasing a new house, a buyer may request that the drainage system be built with a recirculation system, which necessitates installing a dedicated hot water loop. On the other hand, a recirculating system is impossible unless your home is already plumbed for it.

On-demand hot water systems are cold and hotlines connected to a pump located beneath the bath or kitchen faucet located the furthest away from the water heater. It is possible to have the chilly water that usually goes down the drain recirculated back to the water heaters by pressing a button. The water heater’s output is delivered to a faucet by pressing a button as well.

As soon as the water temperature at the furthest fixture reaches the desired temperature, the pump will shut off since the water pipes will have been filled with water.

3. Tankless point-of-use Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters like the Ecosmart Eco 11 this water heater only works when there is a need for hot water to be provided. However, unlike tank water heaters, which store hot water to be delivered to a faucet on demand, a tankless water heater begins operating immediately upon turning the tap on.

Cold water is conveyed via a conduit into a tankless water heater, which subsequently warms the water using an electric element or a gas burner.

In contrast to tank water heaters, tankless water heaters are assessed by the number of gallons of water they can heat in one minute rather than by storage capacity.

A tankless point-of-use water heater, like a traditional water heater with a tank, may deliver almost instantaneous hot water due to its proximity to the fixture that requires hot water. However, while tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than tank water heaters, it should be noted that they do not deliver hot water as fast as tank water heaters since there is a delay of several seconds between when the water is heated and when it reaches the desired temperature. Furthermore, all tankless point-of-use water heaters are electrical, which warms water at a slower rate than natural gas heaters.

4. Tank point-of-use Water Heaters

Exactly as the name implies, a point-of-use heating system provides a supply of hot water that is placed exceptionally near to where a sink, shower, or bathtub is located. It is common practice to utilize point-of-use water heaters to heat water at fixtures located a considerable distance away from the home’s tank water heater. Aside from that, they may be used to heat water at a location where instant hot water is most required or handy.

A tank point-of-use heating system is similar to a conventional whole-home tanks water heater, except that the water tank is much smaller in capacity. Tank point-of-use heating systems are available in various capacities ranging from 2.5-20 gallons, determined by the amount of hot water required. Their ability to provide rapid hot water is enhanced because they reduce the distance that water must travel before reaching its destination. Instant hot water saves a lot of time, water, and money by eliminating the need to wait.

Additional Suggestions

Water Pipes should be insulated

Insulate the area surrounding hot water pipes to prevent heat loss while the water is transported to the faucet. It will also help keep the pipelines warm for longer, which will be helpful the next time you want hot water.

Now, will this provide you with immediate hot water? No. However, it will save the amount of time you have to queue for hot water at the faucet, and it may help lower your energy costs.

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Preventative Maintenance

It is essential to maintain a heating system, whether a tank or a tankless one, to extend its life span. However, a hot water tank that is not operating at peak efficiency may need a longer time to provide the hot water that you require. For a tank water heater, which is still the most common type of water heater used by most American homeowners, annual upkeep that includes checking the anode rod, flushing the tank, and running tests on the temperature and pressure (T&P) valve helps to ensure the safety and efficiency of the water heater.

Consult a Professional Plumber

Installing a recirculation system should be done by a skilled plumbing professional. In addition, the other alternatives for obtaining immediate hot water at the tap all require specialized knowledge and equipment.

Always use a qualified plumbing expert to install your water heater since poorly placed water heaters may be hazardous and pose a risk of exploding or igniting a fire.

Conclusion

We have all experienced the frustration of waiting for hot water, whether at the sink or in the shower. Often, some delay is required, but when it occurs frequently enough, the time and stress accumulate. Point-of-use water heaters are available in both tank and tankless configurations. Both benefit from being located near the location where they deliver hot water, removing the need to wait for the water to travel via pipes to become heated.

Many alternatives are available if you are looking for methods to obtain immediate hot water from the faucet. Now that you have a better understanding of the options, speak with a certified plumbing expert who can assist you in determining which option is best for your house and perform a skilled installation that guarantees the safety of both you and the family.

8 Best Ways for Your College to Go Green

Today a lot of colleges have made an environmental revolution. No more coffee to go, no more plastic bottles to buy on a territory of the campus, the implementation of eco-friendly projects and campaigns – all this now is becoming a sustainable lifestyle for the majority of students.

The effects of climate change are dramatically terrifying. In most colleges, the initiative of the activities to make planet safer comes from administration faculties. However, any little action of every student as well as essay writer will help to protect our Earth. Let’s see now how green we may be in a range of college life.

college-green

Today you even may look for the university that has its degrees in eco subjects: such as sustainable agriculture, natural resources conservation and indoor gardening and so on.

1. Energy supply

Whether it is a constructing of building with more efficient environmentally substantial windows and panels that use solar, wind or even water power, during past several years the colleges become a way eco-friendlier. Some programs promote the conservation in any aspect and the composting bins.

2. Using electronics instead of paper

The world now is digitally focused, and this is good news for a planet. A lot of colleges are equipped with computer classes, electronic libraries, and online testing programs. You may also have with taking notes electronically in order not to waste paper and money on buying notebooks. Instead of buying a book, prefer to borrow it or get only if necessary.

To see and read more more living a sustainable and healthy life, check out the Public Goods Blog by clicking here.

3. Opening a refectory with a local eco food

Organic food and organic gardening is a modern, healthy part of a sustainable lifestyle. The most colleges now have the individual spaces for organic gardening where any student can work to show their faith-based actions. They can grow plants, vegetables or fruits that are used in the kitchen of the campus for preparing healthy food.

The administration of some universities now got rid of trays – they state it will prevent students from over-eating and wasting food. Instead, a student takes a plate where he can put only as much as he can eat.

4. Having a place for refilling a water bottle

As you know, only 20% of plastic bottles will be recycled. The question is that where did other 80% proceed to? The management of some colleges take concrete measures to fight this issue: they don’t sell plastic bottles on the territory of campus. As an alternative, they give reusable water bottles and provide with stations of water filling. Isn’t it an amazingly simple and useful to evolve an initiative to become environmentally conscious?

5. Special campaigns for students

It is important for colleges to have some green project ideas for college students that may evolve students to concrete actions toward the protection of an ecology. It can be something like tree planting, street cleaning or any other environment-themed campaigns.

Organic food is a modern, healthy part of a sustainable lifestyle.

Organic food is a modern, healthy part of a sustainable lifestyle.

The effective way to make the more environmentally sustainable community is creating a communication between students and management. Every student may have his fresh ideas of go green, and it ‘d be good and if the management could encourage them and help to realize.

6. Transportation

What doesn’t student dream of having his car? But don’t lie to yourself – it is not a secret that the cars are the biggest reason of pollution in the air. Just think about it – do you need a car? Taking a public transport or having a bicycle will not only save a planet but also will save your money.

Many colleges offer carpool boards which allow pairing riders with drivers and a shuttle bus which run on biodiesel that is much safer for the planet than any other fuel.

7. Good old recycling

Almost every college has recycling bins and trash cans on its territory. The faculty and staff should be responsible for what and where they throw away – it will be a good example for every student.

8. Creating eco-friendly rules in a campus

  • Turn off everything
  • Using LED light bulbs
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle
  • Water-usage control (only a 5-minute shower)
  • Buy recyclable and eco products, e.g. you can even find eco friendly wooden watches these days.
  • Use power bars
  • Wash cups and plates, don’t use disposable paper or plastic utensils
  • Walk, bike and use public transport instead of a car

If you at a moment of decision which higher educational institution to choose – go ahead to pick a “go green” university which has at least some of point mentioned above!

Don’t close your eyes to truth – the climate change, the nuclear waste, etc.

With all these actions, even the little ones, we may protect the environment together and live a sustainable life!

If this article written by a birdie essay writer was helpful and met your expectations – you can find other related works and even obtain help with EssayHub if needed!

Wish you a good green luck!