With the high cost of living today, everyone’s looking for a way to save money and if they can also save energy in the process and help the environment, even better. Installing a heat pump hot water heater is one way to do both at the same time. Here’s how:
What are Heat Pump Water Heaters?
Before you can understand how heat pump water heaters save money and energy, you need to know how they work and what makes them different from other types of water heaters.
Typical water heaters work by generating their own heat through electricity, which means they have to expend energy creating the heat that is then transferred to the water. Conversely, a heat pump water heater uses electricity to move heat from one place to another. Since it doesn’t have to create the heat, it’s up to three times more efficient than a traditional water heater.
A heat pump water heater draws in heat from the air around it, heats it to a higher temperature, and transfers it to the water in the storage tank. Heat pump water heaters come in various models, including standalone units, integrated units that include a storage tank, and retrofit units that can be added to a traditional storage water heater.
Saving Energy, Saving Money
The way in which heat pump water heaters save homeowners money is simple: they require less electricity to operate than traditional models. When you use less electricity, you spend less money on your energy bills. With a unit that is up to three times as efficient as a traditional electric water heater, you can save some serious cash each year.
Of course, this benefits the environment as well. When you use less electricity, you effectively reduce the demand for fossil fuels, which are a finite resource. While it might not seem like you’re doing a lot to help the environment just by changing the type of water heater you use, you are actually making a big difference. The more homeowners who make this switch, the better off the surrounding environment will be.
Climate Matters — Somewhat
Homeowners should be aware that heat pump hot water heaters don’t work as well in all climates. The year-round temperature should be between 40°F and 90°F so the pump has heat in the air that it can transfer to the water. In cold climates that dip below 40°F at least part of the year, heat pumps will not do a great job of heating the water.
In fact, by installing a heat pump in a space that has excess heat, such as in a furnace room or a stuffy attic, will increase its efficiency, since it has more heat to work with from the start. This doesn’t mean you can’t install a heat pump in a cooler climate because they will still work. They just won’t be as efficient as they are in a hot environment.
Conclusion
The next time you find yourself in the market for a new hot water heater, give a heat pump model a shot. You’ll be pleased with the savings you gain, both in money and in energy
Regular furnace tune-ups and maintenance just before the cold weather will help maintain your furnace and your HVAC system at top condition during the winter months. There are some common tips you can follow that will help ensure your furnace runs at peak efficiency through the long cold winter months:
Help ensure your furnace runs
It is suggested that all of your HVAC equipment be cleaned and maintained before winter arrives. Beginning in early fall, have all of your cooling and heating equipment checked over thoroughly. Have a professional come out and check the furnace’s blower and ducts as well. In addition to ensuring that these are running smoothly, this will also help to prevent an increase in your home’s utility bills. If there is a problem in any of these components, you’ll need to replace them before winter fully sets in.
Finally, once your furnace has been turned back on, you’ll need to check your heat exchanger and duct for leaks. If the duct is leaking, then you may need to call a professional to take care of the leak or replace it with new ductwork. If your heater is not properly vented, then there’s a good chance that mold is growing behind the burner or behind the ductwork. You may actually be causing a foul smell from your furnace. Instead of calling a furnace service technician to come out and make you a furnace filter replacement, why not do it yourself?
First, get a flashlight and inspect your furnace’s ducts for blockages or clogs. A regular flashlight with disinfectant should work just fine. Take note of any spots that seem unusual where the air flows through. The spot could be a filter or the blower, depending on which system the furnace uses. If you see any areas with a thick black stain or smell, that’s a good indicator to clean or change the filter.
Getting furnace repairs
Once the furnace is checked and cleaned, you should conduct furnace service at least once a year. If you think you can’t do it yourself, call a reputable company in your area to get the job done. The costs for getting furnace repairs will vary depending on the make and model of your furnace and even the age of it. If you have an older model, you will probably spend more money than if you have a newer one. There are different ways to save on furnace service costs, so make sure to ask a professional about any suggestions you might have.
Remember that the experts say it is important to have regular maintenance on your furnace. However, this is not something you should take for granted. It is important to remember that the malfunctioning of your furnace could be due to the fact that there is a dirty duct where the oil or air gap gets filled up and causes the furnace to work hard to push out the air. In this case, hiring the services of a skilled and experienced furnace repairman in Calgary is essential so you don’t have to worry too much about the furnace’s condition.
If the problem with the burner is due to the presence of mold and mildew on the exterior portion of the heat exchanger, you can safely clean it yourself using a disinfectant spray made of chlorine and water. The spray must be used carefully so as not to damage the internal components of the heat exchanger and the burner. You should wear protective gloves so that you don’t spray the chemicals directly into the eyes. You can spray the area in a circular motion to avoid leaving streaks. This may also help in keeping the lining of the heat exchanger clear and free from dust, which is a common cause of friction.
Cleaning of heat exchangers by furnace service technicians is often recommended by manufacturers as an additional measure to prevent loss of refrigerant gas and to keep temperatures constant. A clean line allows for easier access when maintenance is necessary and prevents potential damage to the heating system itself. The cleaning process can take place during the summer, at night, or on days when there is little else that should be done.
Central heating radiators are available in a wide variety of styles to match any decor and to meet any budget. Whether a radiator is new or old, its function should be the first thing to be considered before buying. The more that the space heated by the radiator is heated by electricity, the more efficient the unit will be. Radiators will also heat the entire room, which could be a major plus depending on your budget.
We’ll talk about a few home improvement projects you should consider right now before you start raising funds for your home improvement. If you haven’t done these yet, you may feel that they’re worth the price.
1. Eco-Friendly Upgrades
About 70% of homebuyers seek eco-friendly upgrades, so you should keep that in mind if you have money to spend on your house this year. You can probably think of dozens of eco-friendly home improvements if you put your mind to it.
You’ll need to look at cost-effective ones. You’ll also need to consider whether you can do any of them yourself or whether you’ll need to hire a company to do them for you.
For instance, you might switch to solar energy. Many companies will now install solar panels on your roof. They don’t usually cost all that much, and they can reduce your electric bills.
You might add color with some eco-friendly paint, or you can start a compost pile in your backyard. You can hire a company that will do an energy audit for the property. They will identify anywhere you’re losing heat in the winter and cool air in the summer. Then, they can stop up all those cracks and crevices.
2. A New Roof
A roof can last you for twenty years or longer in some instances. At some point, though, you’ll likely need to do a total tear-off and put on a new one.
Unless you work professionally as a roofer, you probably can’t do this upgrade on your own. You will need to hire a company to do it. Make sure to talk to a few different roofers so you can get some estimates. You never know if one might give you a much better price than another.
You can pick a nice color for the shingles and get the company you choose to install the roof at a time of year when the weather’s not much of a factor. Once you have that new roof on there, you can point to it as a significant selling point when you’re ready to move.
3. You Can Get a Tankless Water Heater
You might get rid of your old, bulky water heater and install a new tankless one. You’ll probably want to find a plumber to do this, although you might try it as a DIY project if you feel ambitious.
Tankless water heaters are eco-friendly, and they don’t take up nearly as much space as an old-fashioned kind. You can stick them down in the basement, and you’ll barely notice they’re there.
They usually give you faster hot water when you run a bath or turn on the shower. Also, you can often get a government rebate when you install one, so the total expense should not come to more than a few hundred dollars.
4. You Can Install a New Deck
You might have a backyard with a deck overlooking it. An old deck isn’t very nice to look at, though, and it’s probably unsafe on top of that.
If you’ve got kids that like to run all over your deck and play in your backyard, you want a sturdy structure that won’t collapse or stick out a rusty nail that ends up in a child’s foot. Installing a new deck isn’t cheap, but that’s another potential selling point when you get ready to move on.
You can enjoy your new deck once you install it. A new deck represents a commitment to the property, but you can also spend time out there during nice weather. The neighbors will want to come by, and you can have BBQs if you set up a grill. If you want to be the next master chef in your neighborhood, don’t forget to checkout our kamado joe buying guide.
5. You Can Install a New Fence
Maybe you have a front and backyard, but you don’t have a fence yet for either one. If so, you may think about installing one. If you put in a fence, you can allow the kids to play behind the house or in front of it, or you can let your dog out and know it won’t run out into the street.
You can look into different fence styles as well. A chain-link fence won’t cost you very much, but you might want to select a more elaborate option to improve your home’s aesthetic appeal.
Experienced HVAC repair technicians perform furnace repair and maintenance services. They have years of experience repairing high-end furnaces, including both wood-and hybrid models. Whether you’re having trouble with your boiler or other heating device, it’s best to contact an experienced technician. They will be able to diagnose the issue, offer the most effective solution, and fix your furnace in less time than it would take you to replace it. With trained furnace repair professionals by your side, you can feel confident that they will do their best to make your heating unit run as efficiently as possible.
There are several things to look out for when trying to repair your heating system. Here are the simple tips for furnace repair:
1. Proper Certifications
One of the first steps is making sure the technician has the proper certifications. In order to qualify, he must fulfill HVAC National Board Certified Qualifying Board (HVAC NSB) qualifications. As part of being certified, he must also complete a comprehensive heat installation training program and pass the state exam. When checking out prospective technicians, make sure to ask what certifications they hold and how long they’ve been doing this type of work.
2. The Right Equipment
Next, it’s important to check out the technician’s equipment. Since many HVAC services perform work using heaters, it’s important to find out what kind of equipment they’re using. Ask to see their gas tank to see if the gas is topped off. If so, it’s a good idea to wait a few hours while the technician tops off the gas. Leaving the gas in for too long can cause serious problems like leaks and possibly explosions. If you notice signs of wear or damage on the heating equipment, contact the gas company immediately.
If the furnace repair is running but not producing enough heat, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. First, turn the power to the furnace on and check to make sure it’s actually functioning. If it’s not, then the next step is to open the furnace door safety switch. This is located directly above the furnace itself. You’ll need to unscrew the two screws that are holding it in place and pull the safety switch straight down. It’s important to note that this step doesn’t require any tools and will allow you to safely open the door.
3. Check the Filters
Next, if you find that the furnace filters are clogged, these are the repairs you’ll need to do. Remove the filter from the furnace and wipe it clean with a damp cloth. If it appears to be damaged or dirty, you may need to purchase new filters. If not, simply replace the ones you’ve removed and wipe the rest of them clean with another cloth.
4. Cool off the Blower
For the last step in furnace blower repairs, you’ll need to remove the blower and place it in an open space to allow it to cool off completely. This step is particularly important if your heating system hasn’t been running for a while and you’re afraid of overheating it again. Once the blower has cooled down completely, it can be removed from the system. Again, you’ll need to perform all of these steps one at a time in order to ensure you don’t skip any of the necessary parts.
5. Tackling Gas Leaks
One more furnace repair tip involves cleaning and repairing gas leaks and defective heat exchangers. These are especially common in older heat and air-conditioning equipment, often resulting from poorly maintained duct work and outdated insulation. Blocked ducts allow cold air to freely enter the furnace room, which then warms up the interior of the room. Warm air can create a drafty environment inside the house, causing expensive energy bills to go through the roof.
Blocked ducts are also known to cause hot spots, especially in areas where there’s not enough duct work in the house. These hot spots will typically show up as small bluish-green stains in ceilings, walls, doors, and windows.
To fix hot spots and prevent drafty drafts, you can perform a filter change on your furnaces. It’s important to note that filters should only be changed with a qualified technician, as filters can be dangerous if changed by an untrained consumer. Filters should be replaced every three to six months, depending on the size of the filter, but they should always be replaced before they become blocked with dust or grime. Furnace repair professionals can perform the proper filter change for your furnaces and can guarantee that the process is done right.
Bathrooms are one of the most used yet the least appreciated rooms in our homes. Investing in your bathroom can be very confusing. You may not know where to start, you may not know how much you need to spend. For a quality bathroom, you will have to pay a higher price but sinking so much money for the loo makes you wonder, is it worth investing? After all, the bathroom needs to be functional, not fanciful. And you would rather spend your money on something that you can get excited about but you don’t have to remodel your bathroom. You can start slow and invest in a new bath.
A new bath will not only give your bathroom a fresh new look but it will also make your bathing ritual more relaxing and soothing. Bath can change the overall look of your bathroom so you need to carefully choose the style, shape, and material of the bath. However, a small bathroom can limit your options. And if you have a large space, you can take your pick from a wide range of options.
Now, let’s talk about the functionality of the bath. Many people like to have jets for a spa-like feel while other people prefer the usual claw foot bath to suit their traditional style. One of the main considerations is the functionality of the bath. A bath can be made of acrylic or steel. While acrylic baths are more economical, steel baths are more expensive to buy. Steel baths have heat retaining properties that people living in colder climates prefer. The kind of bath you buy depends on how you like your bath and what you want from it.
Different Types Of Baths
1. Single Ended Baths
Single-ended baths have the drainage and overflow position located at one corner rather than in the middle of the bath. One side of the single-ended bath a slope, whereas the other side is steep and has waste holes, it is ideally suited for showering as you can get close to the wall.
2. Double-Ended Baths
Double-ended baths have their wastes and taps located in the center, allowing you to bathe on either side. They are more symmetrical and can fit beautifully into the aesthetic of your bathroom. It is ideal for use by two people or it can be used by just one person who loves extra space and enjoys a long soak in the bath alone.
3. Shower Baths
Shower baths are ideal for small bathrooms. They are great for a relaxing soak in the tub as well as a quick shower. Some shower baths come with an integrated shelf, it saves water and you can also keep your bathing essentials on it.
If you don’t know where to buy the best baths, let us help you out. You can find some classy baths at Victoria Plumbing. All you have to do is check their website, place your order and wait for it to arrive.
Which Bath Is Right For You?
You should first measure your bathroom and figure out how much wall space you have to install a bath, and don’t forget the space you would need around the bath for other fittings. Choose a bath you can easily accommodate, you don’t want your bathroom to look crowded ad cramped.
As cities grow, open spaces, trees and other greenery, and other naturally occurring surfaces diminish, replaced by concrete and asphalt surfaces. When this happens, the heat absorbed by these surfaces has nowhere to go, and so is radiated and reflected into the immediate surrounding areas. This creates an urban heat island.
This leads to an increase in heat in the immediately surrounding areas, making temperatures a few degrees hotter than the actual weather. This causes discomfort to residents of the area and can also incur damage in the form of heat-damaged structures.
There is also a human cost associated with urban heat islands. Heat-related medical emergencies such as heat stroke become more prevalent in such areas as the heat can go up to dangerous levels. The EPA has taken stock of this phenomenon and is now advising cities to take steps to mitigate it. One such way is the use of solar roofs as a means of making cities cooler and more comfortable to live in.
How does solar minimize this effect?
Cool Roof Strategy
A cool roof strategy is a one that seeks to use heat absorbing and/or dissipating roofing materials and technologies. Typical roofs use materials that either reflect or absorb and radiate back heat thus significantly reducing the urban heat island effect. Conversely, cool roofs, like solar, can help absorb sun rays and convert them into beneficial energy.
Solar excels at this because of the way the cells are designed and organized to absorb the maximum amount of sunlight. Solar roofs are also designed to trap this heat rather than radiate it back into the environment, something that can help reduce the amount of secondary heat being released into the environment.
Reduced Construction
When solar roofs are implemented, there is usually a reduced need to construct structures that support the traditional electric grid. Such a scenario can play out in several ways. If a new estate is being built with nothing but solar power, there is a possibility that some open spaces can be retained as fallow ground in places where utility implements would have been installed.
While the gains at this level would be marginal, implementation of this strategy across several thousand estates can help move the needle in reducing the urban heat island effect.
Combination Approach
This approach offers the greatest promise of reducing heat in urban settings. By combining the cool roof strategy with other strategies like green roofing, planting more trees and vegetation and small parks, cool paving and general smart city growth, a lot of ground can be covered.
Planting more trees and vegetation will go a long way in reducing heat in urban settings.
All these strategies have one thing in common in that they all absorb and dissipate heat in an efficient and sustainable manner. The EPA recommends these measures, among others, to cities grappling with the urban heat island effect or anticipating it as open spaces and greenery levels go down.
Many cities have a high incentive to deal with this issue because of its effect on residents and visitors to the area. If street-level temperatures are unbearable, it is possible that tourists and potential new residents may shy away from the area in favor of other cooler and sustainable cities.
Global warming and climate change have been at the forefront of news headlines nowadays. This brings to attention the need to protect the environment. When it comes to going green, every step matters and you can do your share with through your condominium unit.
Whether you own a condo unit for personal use or as an investment, you should think about how to transform your space and make it green. Get started with basic maintenance care when you read this post. Then, incorporate 8 lifestyle changes and remodeling tips listed below to reduce your carbon footprint and make your condo eco-friendly.
Parquet wood floors are back in vogue
1. Switch to LED Lights
This is one of the simplest changes that you can adopt into condo living. LED lights are the new standard for modern and eco-friendly lighting at home. If you are still using incandescent and fluorescent lights or lamps, you need to consider getting new LED lights.
Light-emitting diodes (LED) are more energy-efficient and can last up to 20 years. They are, therefore, a good option to use for condo lighting if you want to minimize your carbon footprint. They are also practical since LED lights are affordable and last a long time, giving more value to your money.
2. Install Eco-Friendly Air Conditioners
The traditional air conditioners are notorious for consuming large amounts of energy that also hike up utility bills. If you want to save on power and optimize cooling within your home, it is best to find eco-friendly air conditioners. It can help you save up to 90% off your current energy bill.
But it is not just your air conditioner that you should consider replacing with eco-friendly ones. Make sure you choose other energy-efficient appliances, too.
3. Use Natural Cleaning Products
Going organic when it comes to your diet is one of the best ways to develop an eco-friendly practice at home. But when you cannot fully commit to altering your diet, it is best to start with the products you use. For example, you can switch to green cleaning products. This will not only benefit the environment but anyone living in your condo as well.
When you use natural cleaning products, you are exposed to fewer amounts of harsh chemicals. The fewer chemicals you use, the less harmful it is to your health. Also, if you have small kids, the use of chemical cleaning products should be a no-no!
The best part is that natural cleaning products are often less expensive than chemical-based ones. If you are not sure which to choose, research on brands that manufacture or specialize in natural cleaning products.
4. Furnish Your Condo with Reclaimed Materials
Have you inherited antiques from your grandparents? Do you have any unused furniture lying around? Instead of opting for new furniture items and accessories to decorate your home with, it is best to opt for those made of reclaimed materials instead. This will help reduce the waste dumped in landfills and maximize the shelf life of these materials. The use of antiques and old furnishings can also add an interesting decorative flair to your home.
Reclaimed wood materials are one of the most common recyclable materials that are used for home and interior decorating. You can repaint them to make them look brand new and fit into your interior décor theme.
5. Spruce Up Space with Plants
The addition of plants to your condo is a great way to enhance its aesthetic appeal. At the same time, add color and vibrancy to interior space. But there is also an eco-friendly benefit to incorporating plants as decoration–it improves indoor air quality.
Some of the plants that act as an air purifier are:
Aloe Vera
Areca Palm
Elephant Ear Philodendron
Lady Palm
Bamboo or Reed Palm
Rubber Plant
English Ivy
Before you move into your condo, get one or more of these plants for a healthy home for you and your family.
6. Be Eco-Conscious in Your Choice of Kitchen Sink
If you need to renovate your kitchen, make sure to choose eco-friendly sinks. As the most important part of your kitchen, choose stainless steel or kitchen sinks that are made from copper recycled materials. This will add a modern look while making it eco-friendly. Sinks made of renewable materials are also great options.
Pair it with low-flow faucets to conserve water easily. Another alternative is to install a low-flow aerator with existing taps. This will significantly reduce the flow rate of 4 gallons per minute to just 0.5 gallons. That’s a huge volume of water saved.
7. Invest in a Smart Home System
A smart home might seem like an expensive investment. But when you live in a condo, you will find cheaper systems that will make your life more efficient and eco-friendly, too. A smart home system will adjust the control of various appliances and equipment, such as lighting, heating, and cooling.
With its data-driven system in place, control of indoor temperature, lighting, and the like are automated. By adjusting to the optimal level, you won’t waste energy heating or cooling your home. It also helps to ensure that no unused light is turned on (as it automatically turns the light off when you leave a room).
This is a simple step that you can take to transform your condo into an eco-friendly space. While the one-time investment might be big, it can help you save more in the long run (in terms of lower energy bills).
8. Repaint Furniture, Not Replace Them
This is another simple step that you can do if you want to promote sustainability in your condo unit. Does any piece of furniture look old? Is your cabinetry looking a little dated? Don’t throw them away just yet to get new ones!
Make sure you look at the possibility of repainting or re-facing any furniture or cabinets in your home instead of replacing them with a new one. This is true for appliances or furniture that are still in good working condition.
What steps are you taking to make your condo eco-friendly? Why not give these tips and try and let us know what benefits you gained from doing so?
Of all the things we want our homes to provide, comfort is usually at the top of the list. In addition to the beauty and usability of the home, comfort also includes the ability to maintain a comfortable temperature, to keep the air clean and healthy, and to provide safety for your family. The most popular technique for accomplishing all these goals is the use of fiberglass insulation. It has become so widespread that you may be wondering if it is still the best choice on the market, or if it’s simply being used out of habit.
Like any other decision for your home, the choice of insulation materials is an important one that you should consider carefully, so you may be asking a simple question: Is fiberglass the best choice for insulation, or could cellulose or other materials be a better option?
The answer is clear. Contractors and homeowners use fiberglass insulation more because it is the best material for home insulation. Here are six benefits of fiberglass that allow it to excel where other materials fall short.
Reducing Noise
The primary purpose of insulation is to increase comfort and reduce energy costs by maintaining the desired temperature inside the home, but it provides soundproofing benefits as well. A properly insulated home will have less noise coming in from the outside as well as less noise moving between rooms.
Fiberglass is much more effective at dampening sound than any other material on the market. Reducing sound transfer is important when you live near busy roads or have young children who need quiet sleep time while the rest of the family is still awake, and fiberglass is the best material for those functions and more.
Recycling Material
Natural plant fibers used in insulation are touted for being renewable, and it is true that new plants can be grown each year to manufacture the product. However, insulation made from fiberglass uses a high percentage of recycled material. The recycled content reduces the need to manufacture additional fiberglass while also eliminating the need to dedicate more crop ground and farming resources to the production of source plants for cellulose.
Containing Fire
Perhaps the greatest benefit of fiberglass in the insulation world is its ability to contain fire. Cellulose is a plant-based product, making it a potential fuel in case of fire. Fiberglass itself is fire-resistant, providing a barrier to the spread of fire that increases the time available for your family to escape while minimizing the amount of damage done to your home.
Firefighters can testify to the simplicity of extinguishing a fire near fiberglass as opposed to one that spreads into cellulose blown-in insulation. The fire travels further, does more damage, and requires greater cleanup than fiberglass.
Simple Installation
Fiberglass batts are perhaps the easiest product to install in a home construction or renovation project. They are manufactured in whatever width and thickness is required, and they simply roll out to install in walls, floors, or ceilings. The end result is a faster, cleaner installation. Blown-in cellulose is touted for its versatility in filling any available space, but it is also messier and much more difficult to move out of the way for future repairs or renovations.
Mold Resistance
Indoor air quality is a topic that is receiving a lot of attention these days. We are all alert to the dangers of breathing harmful molds, yet many of us unwittingly foster the growth of these dangerous substances by using cellulose insulation. In a plant, cellulose is meant to transport water, so it should come as no surprise that it will also retain moisture when used in your home.
Fiberglass does not absorb moisture, speeding the process of drying up any water that may find its way into your walls, floors, or ceilings. This makes for a drier and healthier environment.
Lower Cost
Economizing isn’t just about paying less. It’s about getting more value for your dollar. Fortunately, fiberglass does both for you when you are installing insulation. Apart from all the benefits we’ve already discussed, fiberglass costs less. The result is that you get better performance for less money, and that’s getting the best of both worlds with your insulation dollar.
The process of working in your home is full of decisions. Whether you are building a new home, renovating an existing home, or simply doing some upgrades, you may find yourself overwhelmed at the selection of products available for even the simplest steps in the project. Instead of bogging down on the variety of insulation materials, you can make one decision right at the beginning. Choosing fiberglass for your insulation needs will make your home safer, healthier, and more comfortable than any other product can.
When you take a good look around your garden, you may find that there’s so much you can do to make it look better. Among all others, you could consider landscaping your garden. This is a project that’ll make your garden instantly look lovelier. And then, going even further beyond that is landscape lighting. That way, even at night, the beauty of your landscape will still be visible. It’s a great way to make your garden look elegant and homey.
However, as much as this is nice to have, maintaining and switching on solar lights the whole night could be costly. Apart from sprucing up your home, you’ll also want your household to be eco-friendly. Thankfully, solar lights now exist to make this endeavor of yours achievable.
But with the wide range of options out in the market today, how do you choose the right solar landscape lighting for your garden? This article has you covered.
1. Match The Light With Its Purpose
First of all, your chosen solar landscape lights should serve the purpose that you intend for it to do. You can choose from three of the most common categories of solar lights, according to use, in the garden. They are:
a. Decorative Accent Lights
These lights are meant to highlight certain features of your garden that you want to illuminate at night. These are usually made of multi-crystalline solar cells that enable them to charge even on a cloudy day. These are also great for sections in your garden with shaded areas such as trees, as these kinds of lights can stay lit for long.
b. Spot Lights
This kind of light has more of a safety feature beyond the decorative vibe it gives. More than anything, the best outdoor solar spot lights are used to mark landscape hazards, including steps on your garden or any rock formation that could potentially be a hazard.
c. Path Lights
These are used for lighting up driveways, walkways, and pathways.
2. Consider The Look You’re After
Another factor to consider when you’re thinking about some of the most popular options is the look you want for your garden or landscape. If you aspire to create a unique landscape that’s not seen often, you will probably want to select some of the more elaborate options available. Technology has also brought forth new designs of these solar lights, so you only need to take your pick according to your preference.
3. Inspect The Manner Of Mounting
Another thing to think about when it comes to some of these popular choices is how they can be mounted. For example, some lights can be mounted right onto your plants, while others require you to mount them directly onto the ground.
If you’re thinking about landscape lights that can be installed directly onto the ground, you’ll need to consider the plants or trees that they will illuminate. Take a good look around your garden to see if you have the appropriate plants around for specific light mounts.
Some plants also prefer being on the ground rather than hung on the air, so they may require a completely different type of lighting design than you originally intended. Try to find options that would fit this exterior plan of your home.
4. Read Through Reviews Online
Before you even head out to shop, it’s better if you’ve already done prior research online. You might be confused about many options if you don’t know what you want. When window-shopping online, you’ll immediately acquire valuable information like the following:
Pictures of how these lights are used in actual gardens
Price range
Customer reviews
Quality
It’s a great idea to shop around and get as much information as possible on the lights you’re considering. If you do your homework, you’ll be able to choose the best solar lights for your backyard.
5. Check Basic Feature Must-haves
Regardless of the type of solar landscape lighting you’ll purchase and the purpose it serves in your garden, there are certain features you should also take extra care to notice among all your options. These features should be present for you to know that you’re bringing home a good quality item:
It comes with high-grade glass panels, so they won’t crack and turn cloudy;
It has advanced circuitry, so it can store light and charge even when the sky is dark;
It uses top-of-the-line batteries or ‘next-generation batteries’ to ensure that it has more charges than ordinary solar landscape lights.
Conclusion
With the vast number of options available today for solar landscape lighting, choosing the best one might prove challenging. But remember that one of the most important aspects of having a beautiful landscape garden is the light system you choose to install. So, you’ll want to make sure that you choose wisely. These are just some of the tips you can take with you when searching for a system that’ll work for your landscape.
One question that you will have when planning a new construction project is how much does plumbing cost for a new house. You might have some personalized ideas for your kitchen and bathroom that can come with a hefty price tag.
Read this article to get a deep insight into the cost of plumbing for a new house with the expected average expenses.
How Much Does Plumbing Cost For a New House?
On average, the cost of plumbing a new house is $7,500. The lowest estimate can come up to $1,500, but a more detailed work can even exceed $15,000. As it is a significant investment, you must follow some plumbing tips to help you save money in the long run.
Factors That Determine The Price of Plumbing a New House
Here are some factors that help determine the exact price of plumbing a new house:
1. The Pipe’s Location
If the sewer or septic tank can’t get connected to your bathroom, you might have to end up paying more. The plumber will need to spend more time plumbing your house and even require special tools.
The plumbing price will increase if more pipes are required to be connected to the central server. Making the bathrooms accessible will help to lower the plumbing installation cost. You can place them on the house edges instead of the interior.
If needed, place the bathroom close to the sewer line or septic tank to reduce the required number of pipes.
2. Number Of Bathrooms
The plumbing price can increase if your home has more bathrooms. The number of fixtures in each room will determine the price of plumbing. A pipe will be required to be installed in every fixture.
The cost of plumbing fixtures will be more in a home with three or four bathrooms and a kitchen. You may require a plumber’s help installing plumbing fixtures for your new bath or an outdoor kitchen area.
Your project will get costlier if you have more bathrooms in your home. If you want to limit the plumbing price at your new home, restrict yourself from building more bathrooms. Having a bathroom on every floor is better than having a bathroom on every corner.
3. Materials Used For Plumbing
One of the factors that impact plumbing price includes the type of plumbing material you choose. Copper is the most expensive type of pipe material. The least expensive pipe material is PVC or a new material known as PEX.
If a lot of piping is required in your home, then plumbing costs can increase depending upon the material used. Using more copper pipes will get expensive compared to using more PVC or PEX pipes. Choose either PVC or PEX for your piping if you want the plumbing cost to be less.
4. Hourly Wage Of The Plumber
The last factor which influences the price is the hourly pay rate of the plumber. Some charge by the hour, while others charge a flat rate. If you have a lot of work at your place, selecting a plumber who charges hourly will get expensive. On the contrary, you should choose a plumber that charges on an hourly basis if you have a minor job.
When selecting a plumber, you should consider both options and compare to get the right price.
How Much Does Plumbing Cost For A New House With PEX Piping?
The price for installing a PEX pipe per square foot is 50 cents to $2. For a 2,200 square-foot home, the average cost will be $1,100 for 50 cents for a single bathroom. If you want to install a second bathroom, you can double that amount. Labor is the significant difference between PEX and copper piping.
How Much Does Plumbing Cost For A New House with Copper Piping?
The price for installing copper piping per square foot is around $2 to $5. For a 2,200 square-foot home, that would cost $4400 for a $2 price point. But, copper has a few advantages which PEX doesn’t provide. Those advantages and features might make copper piping worth it.
The installation costs are significantly high, and if there is an unexpected failure, the repairs can get really expensive. You can start by maintaining an emergency fund for unexpected breakdowns to prepare yourself. Apart from that, investing in a home warranty plan will significantly decrease the repair and replacement costs.
Conclusion
Plumbing a new house can become cheap if you limit the number of bathrooms in your home and use PEX piping. If you have a larger budget to spend on plumbing, you can go with the copper pipes as they have trusted performance and a longer lifespan.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
