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Guest Post - Water Efficiency Facts Everyone Should Know
Water is a necessity. You need water for various activities and tasks – taking a bath, washing the dishes, cooking, gardening, and doing the laundry, among many others. However, despite its value, people often take it for granted.
Whether at home, in the restaurant, or even on the road, there’s almost always somebody wasting water. At home, how many times have you reprimanded your son or daughter for forgetting to turn off the faucet after brushing their teeth? While eating in a restaurant, do you ask for water only when you’re sure to drink it, or do you ask just because you can? While driving, how many broken fire hydrants spewing out water did you see?
Water is a necessity. You need water for various activities and tasks – taking a bath, washing the dishes, cooking, gardening, and doing the laundry, among many others. However, despite its value, people often take it for granted.
Whether at home, in the restaurant, or even on the road, there’s almost always somebody wasting water. At home, how many times have you reprimanded your son or daughter for forgetting to turn off the faucet after brushing their teeth? While eating in a restaurant, do you ask for water only when you’re sure to drink it, or do you ask just because you can? While driving, how many broken fire hydrants spewing out water did you see?
The Global Water Situation
In the Second UN World Water Development Report, an emphasis is given to humanity’s increasing demand for and the scarcity of safe, potable drinking water. If the consumption levels remain the same, approximately 2/3 of the world’s population may not have enough water supply by the year 2025. Some areas may have water, but they won’t be safe for human use. By this time, water purification systems would have become a need for most homes. For other households, water rationing may have to be the standard practice.
These scenarios can be prevented if every household seriously considers changing their lifestyle by making water efficiency a regular practice.
Why is Water Efficiency Important?
For some people, simple acts like turning off the faucet after and when not in use may be a small thing; but it becomes entirely significant when you consider the thousands (or millions) of homes that are also doing it. One action multiplied several times over is already a big impact.
Water efficiency is not the same as water conservation, which is concerned with decreasing the amount of waste. Efficient water practices are about restricting the use of water and wastage. It also involves behavioral and lifestyle changes. It does not involve environmental agencies or organizations; it involves consumers willing to contribute simple acts that can help lessen water wastage.
Making Your Home Energy Efficient
The best way for your home to become energy efficient is to be aware of what you should and should not do – to follow standards and make necessary changes in the way you do things. Here are some water efficiency facts to help you start:
1. One American consumes approximately 88 gallons of water per day in a household.
You do not have to completely stop using water in your home – that’s not possible. You simply have to learn to use it more efficiently. Reduce consumption by choosing only what’s necessary, such as washing the dishes and cooking. You don’t need to do the laundry every day or every other day.
You can also reduce the volume of water you use for washing the dishes. Other household tasks that need water use, like gardening, should only be done when necessary. Recycling water is also a good idea. For example, the water you use for washing the dishes can be used to water the plants in your garden.
2. Doing your laundry is one of the activities that consume a significant amount of water - around 22% of total home use, to be exact. Ensure that your washing machine load size is ideal for the volume of clothes you are about to wash.
Also, always use cold water for your washing machine to help bring down energy use.
3. Your lawn may also be a big water user. More or less 50% of household water consumption is attributed to outdoor elements.
As such, lawn sprinkling should be done in the early hours of the morning, typically around 4 am and 6 am. These are the hours when the demand for water is low.
4. Front-loading washing machines are typically more water and energy-efficient than the majority of top-loading washing machines. Front-loading ones normally need only more than 20 gallons per load, while top-loading ones need at least 40 gallons for every load. However, top-loading washing machines are now sold in appliance stores.
5. Although dishwashing contributes less than 2% of your water footprint, you can still wash the dishes more efficiently.
If you can afford to, use a dishwashing machine as it is way more water-efficient than regular dishwashing by hand.
Hand washing the dishes consumes around 20 gallons of water, while standard dishwashers use around six gallons per wash. Dishwashers with an Energy Star are even more efficient, needing just four gallons of water for every load.
Lastly, make sure your dishwasher is fully loaded with dirty dishes ready to be washed. This helps reduce water usage and wastage.
6. You need coffee beans to make good coffee – and growing them will need water. Every cup of coffee that perks up your mood uses more or less 55 gallons of water for growing the beans.
7. You don’t have to wash your car every day or even every week. Each time you do, though, you consume around 50 gallons of water. So schedule your car washing only when it is really needed.
The best way to practice water efficiency is to use only what you need and when needed. Additionally, you should encourage all your family members to follow your lead. If everyone in the household is committed to changing their behavior and lifestyle, reducing water use and wastage will soon be a normal thing for you.
About the author
Rachel Watson is the Senior Content Editor of Precision Air & Plumbing, a full-service HVAC, plumbing, and home performance contractor operating in Chandler, Arizona. Rachel enjoys yoga and writing articles about how to make home living more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Spring Cleaning Your Garden – the Essentials
If you love your outdoor space, chances are you'll be out in your garden on the first warm day of spring. Surely, there will be some work for you to get your garden up to a standard, but besides removing fallen branches and debris, don’t rush with the clean-up. Wait until the soil is drier so you can work on it easily but again, don't wait too long to start. It will be much easier for you to prune plants before the old growth gets entangled in the new growth.
Here are the essentials of spring garden cleaning and getting it ready for summer days of outdoor joy and relaxation.
If you love your outdoor space, chances are you'll be out in your garden on the first warm day of spring. Surely, there will be some work for you to get your garden up to a standard, but besides removing fallen branches and debris, don’t rush with the clean-up. Wait until the soil is drier so you can work on it easily but again, don't wait too long to start. It will be much easier for you to prune plants before the old growth gets entangled in the new growth.
Here are the essentials of spring garden cleaning and getting it ready for summer days of outdoor joy and relaxation.
Remove mulch and prune your perennials
The first task is removing any dead plants and foliage left behind over winter, and composting them. You’ll clear up the space for new growth and any self-seeding plants will already have done their job.
If you had left your perennials unpruned last fall, they'll be an unattractive sight by now. Many perennial plants prefer to be left untouched throughout the winter, as it gives them extra protection. If you did take this course, once you see new growth at the plants base, you can begin removing winter mulch and pruning.
Certain shrubby plants with hard, woody stems such as Artemisia, buddleia, and lavender need to be pruned each spring as they only bloom on new branches. Spring pruning will minimize winter damage and encourage the growth of those new flowering branches. However, you should wait until the danger of a hard frost is over.
On the other hand, some perennial plants never quite go dormant, but they still need some tidying up. Spring is the ideal time to cut back the rugged foliage and boost new growth.
Pick the right time to prune the trees
Most spring-blooming trees set their flower buds in the summer or fall of the previous year. If you prune them in the spring, before they start blooming, you’d also prune off this year's flowers. If you’re unsure about what to do, it’s best you rely on professional help from tree services in Sydney who are experts in maintaining the health and beauty of trees.
Trees need regular pruning and light trimming to manage their shape and growth, as well as to encourage strong bud formation and branch development. However, pruning needs to be performed at specific seasons so the trees get the best chance of surviving the summer and the winter weather.
Give your roses some TLC
Caring for your roses in spring will greatly depend on your climate. In warm climates, roses never really go dormant, so they will benefit substantially from good pruning and the removal of most of the piled-up leaves. This will give the rose a kind of a shock to start feeling as if it was dormant and now it’s time to wake up and start growing. In places where they do go dormant, you should begin their TLC right when the leaf buds begin to appear.
Tidy up the evergreens
Most evergreens require very little to no spring care except some tidying up. You should fertilize them because they are in the process of active growth at this time. However, if the soil is healthy and rich, you can skip a season and feed your evergreens every other year. Use a well-balanced fertilizer marked particularly for evergreens.
Begin weeding and composting
Early spring is the perfect time to tackle weeds with some pro-active gardening and cultivating. Soft and damp soil makes it easier to extract young weed seedlings but don’t throw them in your compost as they’ll come back and mess up your work!
Apart from weeds, most of what you clean up can be put into your compost pile. It's recommended you start a new pile in spring and use your old pile in the garden. If there’s any plant material exhibiting signs of disease, make sure you dispose of them.
Divide and transplant
If you’re planning to move your plants, spring is the best time to divide some of your plants and transplant them. They have an amazing capacity to recover if you manage to catch them early when the weather is still mild, and they're just waiting to sprout out!
Bring in the fresh mulch
Finally, it’s time to bring in the mulch – it can do wonders for your garden! It conserves water, feeds the soil, cools plant roots, and most importantly, smothers weeds. Every garden deserves a rich layer of mulch, but wait until the soil dries and warms up a bit before you replenish your mulch. When putting it in, make sure you keep it away from the stems and crowns of plants because, if you’re hoping for some self-seeding annuals, this will give them a chance to germinate before the bed is covered with mulch.
A proper spring garden clean-up doesn’t have to be a tedious task. By taking your time and doing the right steps, you will reap all the benefits of a gorgeous, healthy and thriving garden with beneficial pollinators and pest-munching insects.
5 Benefits of Professional Drain Cleaning
If you are experiencing trouble with your plumbing system, it is strongly recommended for you to work with a specialist as soon as possible. Not only will you enjoy a fast and easy solution to your plumbing needs, but you can also expect to enjoy a variety of long-term benefits that would not be possible in most do-it-yourself capacities.
If you are experiencing trouble with your plumbing system, it is strongly recommended for you to work with a specialist as soon as possible. Not only will you enjoy a fast and easy solution to your plumbing needs, but you can also expect to enjoy a variety of long-term benefits that would not be possible in most do-it-yourself capacities.
Efficient Clog Removal
To begin, a professional drain cleaner will be able to remove any clogs that are blocking your pipes. This will help to improve the flow of water and prevent backups. The experts have specialized tools that allow them to get the job done more efficiently than if you had been using your own materials at home.
Reduces the Risk of Future Water Damage
If a clog is not removed correctly, it can eventually lead to water damage. A professional drain cleaner can prevent this from happening by clearing out the clog before it becomes a bigger problem. Because of their specialized techniques and equipment, you can look forward to fewer long-term issues with your pipes, especially if they are prone to plumbing issues.
Deeper Cleans are Possible
Professional drain cleaning can also help to keep your pipes cleaner than they would have normally been. This will help to prevent future clogs from forming and will improve the overall performance of your plumbing system. If you have an older plumbing system that gets finicky around seasonal changes, you will want a specialist to inspect your system and determine how to maximize its function.
It Saves You Time and Money
Professional drain cleaning can save you time and money. By clearing out the clogs, it can prevent water damage from occurring and will help to improve the performance of your plumbing system. It also helps reduce the need for future repairs and cleanings because of how efficiently the pipes are cleaned the first time.
Safe and Effective Solutions
Professional drain cleaning is a safe and effective solution for clearing clogs and preventing water damage. When done by a qualified professional, you can look forward to a procedure done with compliance and protocols in mind. This reduces the risk of damage to your pipes, which means they will require even less work to function well in the future.
Conclusively, be sure to shop around before finalizing your contract with a plumbing company. You will want to work with experienced specialists and get an idea of what rates are like for the procedures you need to be done.
Guest Post - 7 Hacks to Make Your Home Energy Efficient
Whether you want to save money or interested in reducing your impact on the environment, making your home more energy efficient is always a great idea. If you’re looking for a few ways to transform the efficiency of your home without making any major changes, there are several simple life hacks that can help.
Whether you want to save money or interested in reducing your impact on the environment, making your home more energy efficient is always a great idea. If you’re looking for a few ways to transform the efficiency of your home without making any major changes, there are several simple life hacks that can help.
Check out this list of seven suggestions that could transform your energy bill without forcing a remodel!
1. LED Lighting
Energy efficient lighting is one of the easiest things you can do to make your home greener. While LED bulbs used to be really expensive, accessibility and reduced production costs have made them a lot more affordable.
Some of your light fixtures are probably modern enough that you can just swap out the bulbs, but you may have to upgrade a few of your lamps or wall sconces with new ones that are compatible with LED bulbs. From LED table lamps to compact fluorescent (CFLs) accent lighting, there are tons of lumens, wattage, and style options to explore.
2. Upgrade Your Windows
One of the biggest reasons your house may be losing heat in the winter and cold in the summer are the windows. The right kind of windows can make a huge difference to your heating or cooling bill!
Any double-paned glass will be better than single pane options, but the best choice is a double-paned style with argon gas between the two panes. Swapping your current windows for those with a low-emissivity coating can save you up to 50% on your energy bill!
Once you get your new window panes installed, decorate them with glass decals to add color instantly to any room.
3. Change Out Your Curtains
Another way to redecorate your space and make your home more energy efficient? Curtains! While this tip might be unexpected, it really works. In the winter, swap out your regular curtains for thermal insulating curtains in a heavy texture. As soon as you close these curtains over your windows, they add another layer of insulation to any room.
4. Focus on Insulation
You’ve already seen a lot of tips about insulating your home with better glass and thicker curtains, but now it’s time to talk about your literal insulation. Every home has layers of material within the walls to maintain the current temperature in your house. However, the quality of the insulation makes a difference.
Upgrade to fiberglass batts in areas that have standard joist spacing, use loose fill for areas with odd spacing or frequent obstructions, and make sure attics and basements have insulated floors and rafters. Just make sure to leave the soffit vents open to ensure appropriate airflow.
5. Upgrade Your Thermostat
While programmable thermostats are new and groundbreaking, many people have yet to transition to these easily controllable units. You should also consider which spaces should have their own independent thermostat to ensure you aren’t heating up the entire house if you’re just sitting in one room.
You should probably break up your HVAC placement by room utility. The kitchen, living room, and dining room can be on one system, while the bedrooms and bathrooms should be on another. Even the guest bedroom should get its own thermostat.
6. Choose Green Appliances
Your big appliances use a lot of energy and you probably run them on a regular basis. Consider replacing your dishwasher, fridge, and washer and dryer with Energy Star certified options. Taking care of your appliances also helps ensure they’re running efficiently.
For example, you’ll need to check the filter system on your dryer for lint regularly and clean the cooling coils of your fridge at least once a year to ensure they’re operating at full capacity!
Some other appliance tips that may enhance your home’s energy efficiency include:
Using a front loading washer to use less water.
Using a front loading dryer that dries more quickly.
Leaving about an inch of space around your fridge to improve air circulation.
7. Fireplace Inserts
Not every home has a fireplace, but if you do, you probably aren’t even aware that you’re losing heat and cold through it.
An insert fits right into your fireplace and reduces air loss during every season. Inserts can come in a number of different styles and aesthetics to ensure it adds to your home decor while improving your energy efficiency.
Which Hack Is Right for You?
While some of these changes are quick and easy, others might require professional installation or a substantial investment. You can start small by changing out your curtains or installing a fireplace insert right away, and move on to bigger remodeling projects later, like replacing your windows or enhancing your installation.
You may find that you don’t even need to apply all these hacks, as you already have some in place! Analyze your home to find its weak spots and adjust accordingly!
Author Bio:
Carolyn Mitchell is a freelance writer, enthusiastic DIYer, and content strategist. She has a passion for home decor and interior design, but also enjoys covering health and wellness, fitness, and holistic living.