Making Cents of Energy - HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric

Urinals: Better Than the Low Flow Toilet

This might be hard to believe, but there’s a growing trend that’s got the men of the house installing urinals in their homes. In fact, a urinal uses significantly less water than a traditional toilet. There are even urinals available that don’t use any water at all. These zero-flush urinals can save up to 40,000 gallons of water every year, which is equal to the size of three large swimming pools.

Just as installing a low-flow toilet would, installing a urinal in your home will cost an initial investment, but you will see significant savings afterward. In fact, a urinal will pay for itself in less than a year, and of course, the savings will continue year after year.

You can reduce installation fees by putting in a zero-flush model. These models cost much less to install because there is no water line or flushing device to deal with. With the prediction of sewer charges and rising water prices, this idea might sound better than you initially thought.

Beyond the money savings, you’ll never have to lift, or close, that toilet seat again.

If you’re in the market for it, give a urinal a second thought and see if it could benefit your home.

 

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Making Cents of Energy is written & published by Thompson Plumbing Heating & Cooling

 

(Photo via sugree)

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This blog is written and published by Thompson Plumbing - Heating - Cooling

Beat the Heat with a Smaller Energy Bill

After a warmer-than-usual winter, it’s easy to assume this summer will bring skyrocketing temperatures. Instead of putting your air conditioner into overdrive, why not try a few new ways to stay cool, while lowering your energy bill? See the list below for some cool ideas:

 

• Improve your window treatments. Of course, it’s really nice to let natural light in your house, but when it’s hot and sunny out, and open set of blinds can warm up your home quick (this is good during the winter months) Purchase lined curtains or good blinds that will keep sunlight out when you’re trying to stay cool.
• Program your thermostat. If your home has a programmable thermostat, you can save up to $200 each year that you actually program it. Set it to give your air conditioner a break when you’re not home or sleeping.
• Have an HVAC inspection. Have a certified technician, such as a Thompson technician, check out the HVAC system in your home to make sure it’s running correctly and efficiently. Inspections don’t cost much, while a leaky duct can raise your energy bill by 20 percent.
• Seal it up. When you must pump air conditioning into your home, make sure it’s actually staying indoors. Walk around your home and check for cracks or gaps around windows, doors, in the attic and basement. Seal what you can to keep the cool air inside, where you need it most.
• Fix your bill. It might not be a solution for everyone, but you could look into having your electric bill fixed to be the same rate each month, no matter how much energy you use.

 

By following these tips, you will survive the summer heat without the spike in energy costs.

 

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Making Cents of Energy is written & published by Thompson Plumbing Heating & Cooling

 

(Photo via jamesbowe)

Plumbing Goes Green

Cars and appliances are taking up on the trend of going green, and now, plumbing products are following suit. There are several products on the market that will save you water, energy and money; who doesn’t want that? Check out our list of green plumbing products below:

Rain water tanks. If your area gets lots of rain, a rainwater tank might be of value to you. This is a tank that’s installed outside and collects rainwater for outdoor use.

Solar water heaters. These water heaters harness the sun’s power to provide hot water for your home, without the cost of electricity.

Low flow toilets. A standard toilet flushes 3.5 gallons of water down the toilet each time, while a low-flow toilet uses less than half of that.

Aerator faucets. These faucets compensate for the changes in water pressure to ensure a smooth, continuous flow, adding air into the water stream. There are also showerheads with aeration to give the feel of an increased water flow without the cost.

Electronic faucets. These faucets feature a sensor that prevent them from ever being left open.

Consider adding any of these green plumbing products to your home and you’ll save water, energy, and money.

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Making Cents of Energy is written & published by Thompson Plumbing Heating & Cooling

 

(Photo via WillClayton)

Simple Ways to Reduce Your Electric Bill

You don’t have to go completely off the grid to save money on your electric bill. Follow these five easy steps to reduce your carbon footprint and save a little money.

Use negawatts. A negawatt is any watt of electricity you don’t use. So, turn off the lights when you leave a room and unplug your electronics when you’re through with them.

Take a look at your appliances. If you’ve got an extra fridge or a freezer running, but isn’t serving much use, it could be costing you at least $200 each year. If you’re not storing food in it, save some money and the planet by unplugging it. If you’re looking to get rid of an old appliance, check with your local utility company for ways to recycle it.

Get fashionable. It’s important to dress appropriately for the weather. In the winter, put on a sweater and set the thermostat a notch lower than normal. In the summer, only use the air conditioning when you really need it. By making these small changes, you can really save some money.

Consider your options. If your home has a forced air furnace, make sure you check out the filter once a month, especially during the heading season. If it looks dark and clogged, replace it. A clogged filter makes the furnace works harder than it needs to.

Use the sun. Use your curtains, or window coverings, to your advantage. On hot summer days, close them to cool your home. If winters are cold, open the curtains to let the sunlight warm your home. You can also invest in insulated curtains to keep cold air out, and warm air inside, where you want it.

By following these five simple tips, you can give our planet, and your wallet, a break.

 

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Making Cents of Energy is written & published by Thompson Plumbing Heating & Cooling

 

(Photo By: jamesrbowe)