Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) are leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, pesticides etc. HHW contain potentially hazardous ingredients and require special care and safe disposal.
A typical home can contain a vast array of household hazardous wastes used for cleaning, painting, beautifying, lubricating and disinfecting the house, yard, workshop and garage. The chemical-based household products from a single home may seem insignificant; but, when millions of homes use similar products, handling, storing and disposing them improperly may have the combined impact and becomes a major problem.
The health and safety of our families, neighborhoods and environment is threatened when household hazardous waste is stored or disposed of improperly. These products should not be put in the garbage bins or disposed in the storm drains or burned, as they pose a threat to human health and the environment. Thousands of consumer products are hazardous. The general categories are:
Automotive products: Gasoline, motor oil, antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, car wax and cleaners, lead-acid batteries, brake fluid, transmission fluid etc.
Home improvement products: Paint, varnish, stain, paint thinner, paint stripper, caulk, adhesives etc.
Pesticides: Insecticide and insect repellent, weed killer, rat and mouse poison, pet spray and dip, wood preservative etc.
Household cleaners: Furniture polish and wax, drain opener, oven cleaner, tub and tile cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, spot remover, bleach, ammonia etc.
Other: Household batteries, cosmetics, pool chemicals, shoe polish, lighter fluid, prescription medicines etc.
Each year, thousands of people are injured by exposure or accident involving hazardous household products. Because of the dangers they pose. These products require special awareness, handling, and disposal. In order to protect health and environment, every consumer should know how to properly use, store, and dispose of hazardous household products.
Many common household products contain hazardous chemicals. Once released into the environment, these substances may pose a serious threat to living organisms. Small quantities of hazardous substances can accumulate over time to reach dangerous levels and contaminate the air, water, and soil.
When it comes to increasing the value of your home, you have to keep a couple of things in mind. It is important to make changes to your home that you will love, but will also keep your home’s resale value high. Plan out the renovations you want to make and create a budget that works for you. Invest in additions you can enjoy but will also increase your home’s value in return. Even if you aren’t thinking about selling any time soon, this is something you should remember when renovating your home.
By making changes like repainting, building a deck, renovating your kitchen, or making your home more energy-efficient, you can increase the value of your home with ease.
Keep everything budget-friendly, making investments in your home that are worthwhile. Make changes that you will love, but will increase the value of your home too. This will come in handy if you ever decide to put your house on the market in the future.
If you’ve been looking for different ways to increase the value of your home, these ideas can inspire you and help you begin transforming your home into an appealing, innovative, and valuable space.
1. Paint
If you are looking for an easy, do-it-yourself project that will increase the value of your home, get ready to bring out the paint and rollers.
By adding a fresh coat of paint, changing up the entire color scheme of your home, or bringing interest to a room with an accent wall, you can completely update the interior of your home. Not only will this bring a refresh to your space, but it will increase the value of your home instantly.
If you enjoy the current colors in your home, go for a quick coat of the same color to prevent the walls from looking dull. But, if you’re wanting to switch things up, consider going with an entirely new color scheme. This can completely transform the interior of your home, elevating the style you create in this space. You could even add an accent wall in your home, adding a point of eye-catching interest to any room.
The options are endless, but whatever you decide to do with the paint in your home will be sure to increase its value.
2. Focus on the Kitchen
One of the most valuable spaces in your home is the kitchen. This is a major selling point for most, making it important to keep this space modern and up-to-date.
Not only will you be able to enjoy the benefits of having a sleek, stylish, and functional kitchen, but making investments in this space will benefit you in the future if you did decide to sell your home.
You can start with simple, budget-friendly kitchen renovations like repainting, adding a backsplash, changing the color of the cabinets, or adding new hardware to your cabinetry. But you could also make bigger changes like changing out the flooring, adding an entirely new countertop, or replacing outdated appliances. There is so much you can do in a kitchen to make it stand out, so look for inspiration from modern design while bringing in your own style too.
3. Build a Deck or Patio
Another way to increase the value of your home is to simply build a deck or patio, making this a major selling point for your home. Having an outdoor space like that will instantly increase your home’s value, giving you a space you can enjoy with friends and family year-round.
If you love grilling out, hosting parties, or gathering around a fire pit – a deck or patio space might be the perfect addition to your home! Not only will this give you the perfect space to relax outdoors or entertain, but it will increase the value of your home.
Choose the color or stain that you want the wood, making sure that it matches the exterior of your home, then you can get to building the deck or patio of your dreams. This will bring aesthetics and character to your backyard, adding value instantly.
This is a space you can enjoy for years to come, but if you ever decide it’s time to sell, the deck or patio will be a major selling point to any future homeowner.
4. Replace Garage Heaters
It is becoming more and more common for homeowners to turn their garage into a functional space, for working out or extra hobbies. But, one thing that makes this space hard to work in is when it gets cold in the winter months. This usually means investing time and money into finding the perfect garage heater, and while they usually have many benefits, there are always disadvantages you have to be conscious of.
To keep your garage space warm, hazard-free, and safe to use year-round, you may want to consider using an alternative heating source to keep your garage warm this winter.
While it is most common to see electric fireplace inserts installed in homes, there is no reason you couldn’t keep one in your garage, for a safer way to heat this space and utilize it all year long. Electric fireplaces are not only hazard-free with no risk of gas emissions or fumes, but they are energy-efficient, they heat more effectively, and they’re easy to operate, making this the perfect way to keep your garage warm.
If your family’s safety is a priority along with the longevity of your home, put an electric fireplace to use instead of a garage heater. You’ll be more than happy you made the switch, especially when considering how much safer and hazard-free this alternative is.
5. Lower Your Home’s Energy Costs
An innovative way to increase the value of your home is to make it more energy-efficient and green, lowering your home’s energy costs in turn.
Some easy ways to do this are to utilize high-efficiency windows, install LED lights, or exchange your current appliances for a more green alternative. These changes will not only increase the value of your home, but they will help cut your typically high energy bill as a result. This will benefit you while you are living there, but it will also be a plus for new homeowners if you ever decide to sell.
You could even invest in solar panels if this is something you have been wanting to do. While this is more of an investment than the other alternatives listed, since you won’t see a financial kickback immediately. But, if you plan to stay in your home for a while then solar panels will be worth it in the end.
This will increase the value of your home, keep your home energy-efficient, lower your bills, and help with resale value in the future too!
6. Add Curb Appeal
Another easy way to add value to your home is to work on your landscaping and add curb appeal to the exterior of your home. Not only will this make your home more beautiful, but it will increase your home’s value too.
By re-doing your current landscaping or installing something entirely new, you can transform your front lawn into an aesthetic and appealing place. This will grab the attention of neighbors and passersby alike, making your home an interesting and eye-catching place.
With the simple addition of flowers, bushes, trees, and greenery, your home will be elevated and its value will increase instantly. This will give you an outdoor space you can love and cherish while using this appeal to your advantage if you ever make the choice to sell.
Increasing the Value of Your Home with Ease
If you’ve been looking for ways to increase the value of your home, now is the time to take some inspiration and get started on new renovations. Plan out projects that will make you fall in love with your home while adding value at the same time. Remember to keep your budget in mind too, making sure every investment you make will be worth it.
Even if you aren’t ready to sell, there is still plenty you can do to your home to increase its value and update its style, making it a more innovative and appealing space. By repainting, updating the kitchen, adding curb appeal, or lowering your home’s energy costs, you will begin to see an increase in your home’s overall value.
To update your home, making it more functional and appealing, use these ideas to increase your home value and love the space you’re in even more.
Proper maintenance of your water heater can optimize its energy efficiency and make it work perfectly for a decade or two. The three major aspects of water heater maintenance are initial thermostat setting, regular maintenance and knowing the softness of incoming water. Read on to know more about water heater repair and maintenance:
1. Initial thermostat setting
The daily rituals of bathing, washing dishes, washing clothes do not need superheated water. Adjusting the thermostats properly can save you money.
Most water heater manufacturers suggest thermostat setting on your water heater to 125 degrees Fahrenheit (51 C). This temperature by itself is enough to cause injury to your skin. Besides, when you run your bath water, you will bend in the amount of cold to make the output “just right”. So why would you raise the temperature if you are cooling it off?
Your water heater is one of if not the highest consumer of electricity in your home. Best to set to the manufactures recommend level.
It’s the same theory for both gas-fueled and tankless. Why raise something if you are going to cool it off….
Conclusion: take the time to verify that your unit’s thermostat is not overworking. Go for the 125 degrees F. Save the money
I met one plumber that said he did not run hot water to his dishwasher. He said the machine heated the water itself.
2. Regular Maintenance
Your manufacturer manual most likely suggests periodic inspection and/or maintenance. You can do this, or you can have a water heater plumbing contractor perform this. Every six months for mine. It’s not that big of a deal to do it.
Stop right here: Turn off the electrical breaker before touching any electrical wiring. Close the valve to your gas supply. No casual handling here.
Your unit, if it is a tank type, will have both heating elements and an anode rod.
Hard water allows the accumulation of lime or scale on the element. The speed of this process depends on the level of hardness of your water.
The submerged anode rod is sacrificial. It is added to attract water ions that would otherwise damage your tank. The anode rod requires replacing every year or two. A water heater contractor can be a good choice in this matter. It’s not that hard, but it is a process. Your elements are replaceable. Cleaning them takes time and a little creativity. Go ahead and replace them.
Suggestion: tape a gallon size zip lock bag to your water heater tank. This is where you keep your manual and completed (dated) maintenance schedule.
3. Understanding the “softness” of water
Hard water causes heating elements to foul quicker. When the elements begin “hissing”, it is a sign they are being fouled by being covered with lime. They continue to heat, but not as efficiently. Their ability to heat water will gradually diminish. Don’t wait for the “hissing” sound, follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations.
Your manual states that using a water softener may cause the anode rod to deteriorate quicker. You may enjoy the soft water, but your water heater will need more attention.
Conclusion
Save your money by managing your thermostat setting.
Regular maintenance and attention will protect your heater and extend its lifecycle.
Knowing the softness of your incoming water will help manage your maintenance schedule.
All this will extend your family budget.
For more information about your water heater reach out to your local plumbing company
While much of the focus has been on the damage air pollution can do, it turns out the air within our homes maybe even more detrimental. Last year’s Clean Air Day campaign showed that particle pollution levels are a staggering 3.5 times higher indoors than they are outdoors. With the average person spending 93 percent of their lives indoors, every effort must be made to promote clean, safe indoor air quality – including when it comes to designing homes.
Designing a home that promotes good indoor air quality not only encourages better health for you and your family but can save you money on heating costs in the long run.
If you exert effort to promote safer air quality indoors, your home will become healthier and cleaner. Contrary to popular belief, promoting cleaner and safer air quality indoors through the right home design isn’t taxing. Making small changes in different areas of your home and investing in the right tools, such as the Needlepoint bipolar ionization, can go a long way for you and your family to enjoy healthier air indoors. To make this process easier, consider the following tips to promote safer air quality indoors:
Control Outdoor Sources Of Air Pollution With Minimal Cracks, Leaks Or Uncontrolled Openings
A large determinant of indoor air quality is the transmission of outdoor pollution into the home. In an Indoor Quality Survey by UCL, nitrogen dioxide accounted for 84 percent of the variations in air quality. Nitrogen Dioxide is linked to asthma attacks and is majorly attributed to traffic emissions. The presence of nitrogen dioxide inside your home can worsen the symptoms of asthma or can increase your susceptibility when developing such disease.
The report went on to highlight just how important a role the airtight design of a building plays in maintaining optimal air quality. When designing an airtight home, ensuring there is adequate insulation and choosing the right insulation material is important.
New home builders can also benefit from new construction methods like insulation within the home’s frame or the use of structural insulated panels. Final checks for unsealed leaks or cracks should also be done. However, homeowners and contractors should also keep in mind that ventilation is also just as paramount in maintaining good indoor air quality. Therefore, the inclusion of ventilation points, such as appropriately placed windows, should be kept in mind.
Moreover, common entryways such as doors and windows should be free from any kind of cracks and leaks. Homebuilders can now install silicon in the frames of doors and windows, so make sure that you use this material when designing your home.
Ensure You Have An Effective Ventilation System Design And Components In Place
A carefully designed ventilation system ensures that there is a free flow of air throughout the home and that any internal pollutants are flushed out. Ventilation is also important in the prevention and control of mold spores, which can have a large and potentially toxic impact on indoor air quality. Since molds thrive in humid or moist environments, proper ventilation can prevent their growth and the resulting health complications of mold exposure, such as the triggering of asthma symptoms or lung infections. Molds can also become an eyesore indoors, which is why you should ensure that your home has proper ventilation. A well-ventilated home can also increase the comfort of the people living in it, making the space more relaxing.
When designing your home’s ventilation system, you will want a contractor that is experienced and an NICEIC approved ventilation installer for the installation. In addition to adhering to building regulations, be sure to include mechanical switches or CO2 powered sensors for your MVHR unit so the speed can adapt according to changing conditions, such as seasons of the year. You should also consider the air filter size: larger filters allow for greater airflow, but those made with a thinner material can come with an extended life and dust loading abilities.
There are many ways on how you can improve the ventilation of your home. For instance, you can install extractor fans and attic vents or invest in a home ventilation system. There are several products available in the market today that can provide ventilation indoors so make sure to ask your contractors about your options. For you to end up paying and using a ventilation system that fits your needs and budget, do some research online on how these products work.
Choose Non-Toxic Building Materials And Furnishings For Your Home
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are one of the leading types of indoor air pollution and commonly stem from certain liquids or substances such as paint varnishes, building materials, and the finishes on indoor furniture. Research has also shown that concentrations of VOCs can be up to 10 times higher indoors than they are outdoors. Exposure to VOCs can result in both long and short term health complications, including headaches, skin conditions and liver damage.
To avoid this, homeowners can opt for chemical-free building materials such as formaldehyde-free boarding, Rockwool for insulation, and low VOC paints for painting and interior designs. Since you’ll be designing your home, make sure that the contractors understand your needs and will only use these materials.
When it comes to furnishing, choose second-hand furniture over new. Preowned furniture is more likely to emit lower levels of VOC when you buy them, since they stop emitting VOC after the first few initial years. As a bonus, it is much easier on your home design budget as preowned furniture is cheaper than buying brand new ones. For you to score great deals, you just have to exert effort when searching for secondhand pieces.
Key Takeaway Points
With so much time being spent in our homes, it makes sense that homeowners would want to design a home that is as safe as possible, including the indoor air quality. Incorporating simple hacks like these into your home design process can help you design the home of your dreams – and a healthy one at that.
Access to clean water is a fundamental human right according to the United Nations. However, trying to get clean water straight to your home might prove to be a challenge. So to overcome that, you’ve had a water tank and conditioner installed on the rooftop of your house.
But just like any other household appliance that you have, you should periodically maintain your water conditioner as well. To further convince you why you should do it, here are some of the reasons why maintaining your water conditioner is important:
1. Any of the various parts of your water conditioner could eventually wear out over time
There could eventually come a time when your water conditioner might suddenly malfunction, thus compromising your previously clean water supply. But instead of needing to replace your entire water conditioner with a brand-new one, you might want to check first if any of its parts have worn down over time. Maybe you’ll only need to change an O-ring or the conditioner valve – and save money in the process.
2. Keeping your water conditioner in tip-top shape ensures that unwanted chemicals are always removed from your water supply
The groundwater in your area generally isn’t safe to drink as it contains various contaminants including, but not limited to, chlorine, ammonia, and chloroform. If you haven’t maintained your water conditioner since you had it installed, anyone in your family might resort to drinking water straight from the tap and then fall ill after experiencing the effects that its various contaminants can bring to them.
Thus, you should always make sure to do periodic maintenance of your water conditioner so that the water running all throughout your house is safe for everyone to drink from.
3. A well-maintained water conditioner helps prevent hard minerals from building up in your plumbing
Even if the groundwater in your area has been treated so that it doesn’t have many contaminants, it may still contain large traces of hard minerals that can accumulate in your plumbing over time. This buildup of hard minerals can cause your water flow rate to decrease, and having a malfunctioning water conditioner wouldn’t do any wonders to your plumbing either.
Regularly maintain your water conditioner so that no hard minerals damage your plumbing.
Aside from either fixing your house’s plumbing on your own or asking for the help of a plumber to get rid of those hard mineral clogs for you, you should also check your water conditioner and ensure that it’s functioning properly. Don’t forget to regularly maintain your water conditioner so that no hard minerals damage your plumbing.
4. Periodically maintaining your water conditioner helps avoid the occurrence of scaling
Another adverse effect that hard minerals in groundwater can bring – aside from causing plumbing clogs as already mentioned above – is scaling. If you’ve noticed that your kitchen sink and bathroom drains, as well as the head of your shower, have turned brown, that’s scaling right there. You can remove the hard minerals deposited on your drains and shower head by thoroughly scrubbing them. But as long as your water conditioner isn’t working as it should, you have to expect the same scaling to happen repeatedly.
You should therefore periodically maintain your water conditioner so that your drains and shower head always look good as new – no matter how much water passes through them.
Conclusion
Clean water can sometimes be hard to come by, most especially if groundwater in your area is scarce during certain times of the day. Thus, having a rooftop water tank and conditioning system installed so that you and your family won’t run out of clean water to use is one of the wisest decisions that you could ever make.
You wouldn’t want to leave your water conditioner unchecked though as it can put you and your family’s health at risk. Instead, you should maintain your water conditioner. It’s entirely up to you if you want to maintain your water conditioner yourself or hire the services of a professional when needed.
As beautiful as it is to have a water feature in your outdoor space, the work doesn’t stop just by putting it in your desired area. An outdoor water feature, small or large, centerpiece or not, needs the same good amount of maintenance to preserve its beauty and serve its purpose. Keep your garden free of moss, undesirable weeds, and insects if you want it to be a relaxing and tranquil oasis.
Luckily, taking care of your outdoor water features isn’t something you should worry about too much. If your garden is still new and you’re a little bit lost on what to do, we got you all covered! Below are some helpful tips on properly maintaining your outdoor water feature and preserving the natural beauty of your lovely relaxing area.
1. Constantly check your water levels
It’s only natural for your outdoor water feature’s water levels to change from time to time. We can’t always control factors such as splashes, evaporation due to the weather, and birds or other animals coming in the piece. So, to safeguard your water features, the best thing you could do is constantly keep an eye on its water levels. Make sure it has its necessary amount so it won’t dry out. You can either manually refill the water or purchase an autofill device to keep your water levels in check.
You might not get the right amount, so you should refill your fountain or pond right after you get rid of all the moss and other unwanted things on your water feature. If you fill it first and then take out some fallen leaves, most likely water will also get carried out, resulting in a lower level after cleaning.
The water level is what makes up a water feature. One of the most important things in outdoor water fountain maintenance is making sure it has what it needs the most – water.
2. Clean your skimmers and filters from time to time
Water features like fountains have a tool called filters and skimmers. They are made to ensure that the water inside your fountain is as clear as day and that no unwanted debris would be floating around it. To keep your water clean and your filters properly working, you need to pay good attention to it and check whether there isn’t anything stuck on it that would keep your water restricted.
Keep track of your skimmer’s debris basket, make sure it’s not too full, or your water feature will have a slower water flow. You should constantly check filter mats. They’re built to last until two years, so if your mat appears to be shabby and faded, then it’s time to replace it with a newer one to help unwanted debris be placed in the right basket and not get stuck on the filter’s other parts.
Lastly, in maintaining filters and skimmers, make sure you clean the pump from time to time. Doing this will be easy by simply unplugging the pump and manually removing any undesirable materials trapped on it from top to bottom.
3. Get rid of algae using a bristle brush
Not to state the obvious, but people need to get reminded of how much a simple cleaning with a bristle brush can do to your outdoor water feature. Algae can multiply in an outdoor water feature with water in it 24/7 and its location, exposed to different seasons and external factors. If not taken care of properly, you might witness your fountain or pond turn into an elegant work of art to those props used to scare people in a horror movie.
To restrict algae growth and other bacterial manifestations, manually cleaning it with a bristle brush should be practiced. Additives can also be utilized. One thing you can do, for example; barley is a natural algae deterrent so that you can use it alongside your brush. EPA-registered algaecides are also available, so you won’t have a hard time finding the right detergent or solution.
Bottom Line
Outdoor water features might need a little care and maintenance, but we have to realize that you must preserve every beautiful thing. So people can admire it longer, and it can serve its purpose better. Like any other feature in your garden, you should also give your fountain and pond the same amount of attention and importance.
Heating can be very expensive nowadays and keeping the heat contained within your home can be a challenge. You will see that energy prices manage to hike year after year and it is important to keep the heat contained in a home where there is particularly cold weather outside to assist with your overall energy costs. Read on to know more about the easy ways to keep your home energy prices at the lower end:
1. Ensure efficient heating system
Modern houses normally have a good heating system and there is a lot of regulation around this to ensure that when people are buying new homes, the efficiency has been taken into consideration from the manufacturers. There are websites like myjobquote.co.uk that you can use in order to arrange local boiler engineers to come out and review your current heating systems to ensure they are effective. They would also offer services such as a boiler power flush if it is required – again supporting the effectiveness of your appliance.
If your boiler or radiators are not working greatly then a boiler service cost quote may be required in order to make sure they get repaired and are working as well as possible. If any of your heating equipment is faulty and not working correctly then you will overcompensate in terms of the heating you put on in the home which would then significantly increase your costs.
2. Take action on drafts
If there are any potential drafts and air seeping out of the home, then it will affect the warmth of your home and ultimately your energy bill. Be sure to take action when you recognise any of these problems.
Some common draft points will be doors and windows and are usually pretty noticeable if there is a problem. Nowadays most homes have double glazed windows and secured doors where this shouldn’t be an issue. If your house has a chimney, then this is another potential area for cold air to get in. If not in use you may wish to consider sealing this off in totality.
3. Set timers for heating
Putting the home heating on and off all the time could also be affecting your bills. Consider getting a timer where you can control the heating at intervals that suit you. Clearly, this wouldn’t be suitable all the time and if you are in the home and there is additional heat required then you can “boost” to allow more heat to come out for longer.
Setting the timers will assist with being disciplined on a routine and you can know pretty accurately what it is that you will be spending every month.
4. Energy monitors
Energy monitors are becoming really popular nowadays with the users able to then see immediately how much energy they are consuming. Most energy providers now give this service where you can get one of these appliances installed (generally for free or a very little cost).
The government is also doing a lot more to try and encourage every household to have one of these to help with the energy cost hike challenges.
Bonus Tip: Wood-based stoves offer an alternative and efficient way to produce heat. Click here to know more.
There is nothing like the convenience of fresh clean healthy water right at your tap and this is why countertop water filters are more popular than ever with today’s cash- and time-pressed homes. Not only are these cost-effective appliances a great option for the home, but those who must travel often can also take advantage of fresh clean water anywhere on the globe.
The water filtration device will provide clean water for drinking, washing and all kinds of hygienic uses. Sources of good clean water are getting harder to find and more costly each year. The filtration system works to remove fluoride, chlorine, lead, pesticides and other minerals and contaminants from the water from the city mains. This keeps you and those in your home freshly supplied with clan healthy water.
If you are interested in learning more about countertop water filters, visit https://waterfilterbase.com/best-countertop-water-filter/ and get information on the latest models that will work for your home. In the following sections we will take a look at a few more good reasons to have a countertop filtration system in your house:
1. Better Tasting Water
The water from the city mains is tired and exhausted from a long trip by the time it arrives at your kitchen sink. Just take a taste and you will find out all about the minerals, chemicals and other contaminants it picked up on the way. One of the primary functions of the countertop filtration system is to carefully pull these unpleasant tasting flavors and pollutants from the water.
Fluoride and chlorine are important for keeping our water supplies clean, but in the home they are not as welcome. These chemicals can irritate the skin and eyes and make the drinking water taste funny. This can lead to spending a king’s ransom in bottled water or even worse, drinking less water during the day.
But, filtration systems breathe fresh life into the kitchen tap water. They also remove the burdens of chemicals and toxins and leave clean fresh tasting water for hydration purposes.
2. Healthier Water Sources
Better tasting water will encourage more hydration which is already good for the health. But, removing all those harmful chemicals and other unnatural compounds will also keep these pollutants from accumulating in your body and affecting good health. Whether the water in your local area is pretty clean or little rusty, your countertop filtration system can ensure your health is protected.
3. Saves Cash
Once people realize that regular city water might not be as healthy as they thought, they are faced with some decisions. Some people will prefer buying bottled water as this seems like a cheaper choice initially.
But if you plan on drinking water for the rest of your life, why not procure a constant source rather than buying bottles for the foreseeable future? Sure the cost is higher initially, but after a year or two, of buying water bottles you will have spent the same amount or more.
4. Better for the Family
Children almost more than anyone else need a constant source of fresh clean water to keep themselves hydrated. Plenty of water in the system is essential for good hydration, elimination of toxins and brain development as well.
Unfiltered water can cause health issues to begin at a young age. In addition to removing harmful chemicals and minerals, some of these water filters can add healthy minerals to the water supply boosting nutritional value.
5. Easier Installation
There are many water filters that can provide the same health and purification benefits that a countertop system will, but these have some setbacks. Whole house filters will ensure that the entire home is supplied with filtered water and then under the sink options can address the needs of one source of water.
But, in addition to being more expensive, these filtration systems requires intermediate to professional DIY skills to install effectively. Furthermore, the countertop option can be packed up and carried with you to visit grandma or to your big conference in Buenos Aires.
Conclusion
The list of benefits continues from here. Filtration systems reduce the levels of plastic bottles being bought and discarded. The countertop option doesn’t require as much maintenance as some of the other options and doesn’t occupy your faucet either. So, have a drink to your health, from your very own cost-effective countertop water filtration system.
There are a number of reasons why homeowners should be environmentally conscious. We get oxygen, food, and other fundamental needs from the environment. Hence it plays an important part in the household’s quality of life. The availability and quality of various environmental elements affect the entire family’s living system.
New and creative plumbing systems are emerging as the world works toward a greener planet. Being environmentally conscious has never been easy. With some tips, you can make your plumbing safe for the environment.
Using eco-friendly measures in your home is, of course, an effective way to save money and water. You may live a greener lifestyle by being mindful of your plumbing and usage. This article explains various eco-friendly plumbing options to make your house’s plumbing system eco-friendly.
Importance of Eco-Friendly Plumbing
Sustainability is becoming more and more of a concern and with good cause. In addition to contributing to excessive carbon emissions and climate change, we are rapidly depleting resources such as energy, water, and other natural resources.
Water is the most important component of life, but just 1% of the water on our planet is available for human consumption. To overcome this problem, we must maintain a delicate balance, which is very tough.
Homeowners are always looking for methods to improve the sustainability of the property. Making the plumbing system eco-friendly is one such method. Not only does living in an eco-friendly home help the environment, but it can also help you save money.
10 Tips for Green Plumbing
1. Insulate Your Pipes
People generally leave the tap running for longer lengths of time when the water takes longer to warm up. Improving the insulation of your water pipes is one approach to reduce the time it takes for hot water to reach your bathroom or kitchen.
When water flows from the hot water heater to your faucet through insulated pipes, it loses less heat. Because your water heater won’t have to work as hard to deliver enough hot water, this minor tweak can save both water and electricity.
2. Protect Outdoor Valves
Turn off the valve that leads to your garden hose and search for additional measures to keep your pipes from freezing. When pipes freeze, they can quickly burst or become utterly worse than merely decreasing your overall water usage.
You can also overcome this problem by improving the quality of valves. This can be done by installing valves manufactured by a reputable China ball valve manufacturer.
Chemicals and other solutions that enter your plumbing system should also be considered. Whatever you put into your body has the potential to come into contact with groundwater. So, you should utilize natural products wherever possible. You should also turn off the water for the entire house if you’re going away for the holidays or for a longer amount of time.
3. Purchase Low Flow Plumbing Fixtures
Low-flow toilets, faucets, and other comparable goods are widely available and inexpensive nowadays. If you prefer to acquire a second opinion before making a purchase, most expert plumbers will be aware of the best possibilities.
Low-flow fixtures can help you save money on your water bill while also being sustainable and environmentally beneficial.
4. Use Eco-Friendly Water Treatment Products
You should never flush harsh chemicals or tough food waste, such as grease, down the toilet or drain. These chemicals come in direct contact with groundwater. This can have an adverse effect on your health and environment.
Use a magnetic filter to keep pipes clear or an environmentally friendly plumbing product recommended by a competent plumber to unclog a drain or treat your septic tank.
5. Incorporate Technology in Plumbing
Technology has made it simpler for homeowners to get the most out of their plumbing system while minimizing environmental impact. You can now install motion sensors or touchless faucets in your home. This technology can save you water and money by only turning on faucets when your hands are within a few inches of the faucet or the spout’s lip.
6. Use Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are energy-efficient equipment that also provides a new level of convenience. Tankless water heaters provide on-demand hot water and are significantly more compact than their predecessors.
Water rushes through the tankless system and is instantaneously heated by the electric or gas mechanism when you need hot water for washing your hands or cleaning dishes.
7. Upgrade Your Toilets
Installing dual-flush systems can save hundreds of dollars in water each year for homeowners. You could be flushing nearly three gallons of water every time you use the restroom if your toilet hasn’t been changed since the 1990s. A dual flush toilet can save a lot of water by having one flush for liquid waste and another for solid waste.
8. Clean the Drains
Drains are easily clogged by food, oil, fat, hair, and other similar materials. If not attended to by an experienced plumber, clogged drains can cause serious harm. Drain obstructions are one of the most common reasons for homeowners to hire a plumber. Check this article to know about health and safety considerations in plumbing work.
9. Get Regular Maintenance of House Plumbing System
Taking preventative actions on a regular basis can considerably extend the life of your plumbing system. A routine check once a year will save you a lot of money and time in the long run. Hire a skilled plumber to see growing difficulties and plumbing issues so you can address them before they become a problem and wastewater or cause other problems.
10. Look for Alternatives to Hot Water
A gas boiler upgrade or replacement can be costly. By looking at the fluctuating nature of energy prices and the emerging trend for using eco-friendly methods, investing in alternatives to gas boilers is a good idea to make your house’s plumbing system eco-friendly. You’ll not only lower the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning in your home, but you’ll also be future-proofing it.
Conclusion
Methods discussed in this article depict how small modifications in your house plumbing can make a big difference in how you care for the environment. This will not only make the process more sustainable and healthy but will also help you cut down various expenses involved in house water and plumbing management, besides increasing your home’s value.
Running a household can be a very expensive feat – everything you spend from your electricity, water, heating, air-conditioning, groceries, and general upkeep of other facilities such as your toilet, piping, pool (if you have one) – these all add up and can make your expenditures quite hefty, especially when left unchecked. If you are running a large household, with anywhere from five people living in it or more, this could be especially true – the aggregate effect of every person’s possible carelessness can add up to a sizable sum when put together.
That is why it has become increasingly important to incorporate sustainable habits in every household. This means to educate each person on the importance of being prudent with the resources of the household, enough so that what is used up is only what is needed, and not a single resource and penny goes to waste. If everyone is on the same page about how important it is to care for the environment, then the combined benefits of this paradigm shift can also be quite notable.
The best thing to do is to keep your consumption minimal. Turn off the lights when you are exiting your room and do not plan to re-enter for a good amount of time. Use natural light when you can – it is good to have windows in every part of the home so you can utilize natural energy. Apart from the natural light, you can also let in some wind and fresh air instead of turning on your air-conditioning.
2. Turn off the tap
Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. Unless you are rinsing off, you don’t need the tap running. You can even fill a cup with water and use that for your gargling needs.
3. Pull those plugs
Pull the plugs for appliances that aren’t in active use for a long time. Toasters, computers, and lamps are all good examples of appliances that can be unplugged overnight or while you’re away from home.
4. Analyze your electric bills
It would also be a good thing to check out your energy consumption and consult your electricity provider for things you may not understand in your electricity bill. You can take this up with them and clarify what items are taking up most of your consumption, so you can adjust accordingly and minimize those activities.
5. Recycle
You don’t have to throw away everything that you’ve used only once or twice. Plastic containers that you take home from retail or grocery purchases can be used for repacking other items in the home. This is just one example – there are so many things you and your family use daily that you can recycle in order to minimize what you throw away.
These are just some of the simple but very helpful sustainable practices you can start to live a more sustainable lifestyle. There are many other ways you can build more sustainable habits that help the planet and help you save some money as well. It is good to instill these eco-friendly habits within all the members of your household so that you can all work together to be more clean and green.
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