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How to Make Your Hot Water Heaters More Efficient

Water heaters are a significant household appliance that often gets neglected until something goes wrong. When that happens, you can end up with costly repairs and a basement full of contaminated water.Hot Water Heaters

Electric models run off clean, low-cost electricity often supplied by solar, wind, or hydro energy. By positioning them closer to taps, they reduce piping heat losses and the need for recirculation loops. Visit https://hotwaternowco.com to learn more.

Hot water heaters are the second-biggest consumer of energy in a home, so making them more efficient cuts household bills and reduces strain on the electric grid and greenhouse gas emissions. Whether your current water heater is gas or electric, upgrading to one with an improved efficiency rating will save money over the long run.

The easiest way to compare the efficiency of different water heaters is to look at their energy factor or EF, which measures how much fuel or electricity is required to produce a certain amount of hot water. A higher EF means a better energy-efficiency rating.

Most homes in North America use storage-type water heaters that have a tank from which they provide a constant supply of hot water. These may be powered by electricity, natural gas, propane, heating oil, or solar energy. The best-performing models feature higher insulation and a heat exchanger that is made of copper instead of steel, which reduces energy consumption by keeping the water hot.

New standards set by the US Department of Energy will be effective in 2020, increasing the efficiency of most storage-type gas and electric water heaters. The EPA estimates these new standards will lower the annual operating costs of typical-sized gas and electric models by about 4%. Most domestic manufacturers are already producing units that meet the new standards, and many website include cross-reference guides to help consumers compare their performance with pre-2015 models.

Electric demand water heaters, which heat up the water as it is used, are very efficient, especially if located close to the users of the hot water (to reduce piping losses). However, they’re expensive up front and need regular maintenance. Newer models with modulating temperature control will operate more efficiently and cost less to run.

Natural gas water heaters can be efficient if they’re located closer to the hot water usage points, which will also cut piping costs and energy loss. Using a heat pump, which funnels heated exhaust gas from other appliances in the home into the water heater to help it heat up, can improve efficiency even more, though these require more expensive equipment upfront and have longer payback periods.

Longevity

Having access to hot water is a necessity, and it takes a lot of work on the part of your home’s plumbing to keep that warm water flowing. Between showers, baths, hand-washing and cooking, the average household uses a significant amount of water that has been heated. This puts a strain on the water heater, and, as time goes by, most units reach their limit.

There are a number of factors that affect how long a water heater lasts, including location, the tank’s insulation and energy efficiency. Even the best water heaters have a lifespan that is limited, and a homeowner should start planning to replace theirs once it is around a decade old, regardless of whether it is showing signs of failing or not.

One sure sign that it is time to replace your hot water heater is if you notice rusty water. Rust stains are indicative of a steel tank that is corroding, and can cause leaks. If you notice this, drain several buckets of the rusty water from your tank and check to see if it is coming out of the pipes as well. If it does, this is a good indication that you need to replace your water heater before the corroded steel weakens the unit completely.

Sediment buildup can also shorten the lifespan of a hot water heater, particularly those with tanks. If the sediment builds up too much, it restricts air flow to the flame and reduces the unit’s efficiency. This can be reduced by periodically flushing the unit, especially those that use gas, and installing a water softener for homes with hard water.

A great way to determine how long your current water heater has been in service is by looking at the serial number, which consists of a letter followed by a series of numbers. This is located on the top of the unit and will give you an idea of when it was manufactured. For example, a serial number that begins with “A10” indicates the unit was made in January of 2010. A licensed plumber can inspect your water heater and advise you on whether it is nearing the end of its life or not.

Convenience

Hot water heaters make it possible for us to do our daily tasks in the comfort of a warm shower or sink full of clean, running water. Whether you’re cleaning, cooking, washing laundry or taking a shower, having hot water is one of the luxuries of modern life that most people take for granted.

A typical tank-style gas water heater can hold about 40-50 gallons of hot water, enough for a family of four to have a nice hot shower every day and do the dishes in the dishwasher without reloading them. Unlike electric water heaters, which use an electrical element to heat the water, the internal heating system in tank-style gas water heaters is powered by a match-lit pilot and an intermittent pilot. This allows the system to shut off and start again as needed, reducing energy usage.

Newer models also have high efficiency ratings, called uniform energy factors (UEF), that are based on a combination of their power consumption and the amount of water they store at the rated temperature. If you’re purchasing a replacement water heater, try to get a model with a UEF that’s as high as possible.

Electric water heaters run on current that runs through a 220-volt circuit and past two heating elements powered by thermostats, which convert the electricity into heat energy to warm the stored water. Electric heaters don’t need a gas line, so they can be used in any home. They also tend to be safer than gas models, which can leak and pose a fire hazard.

For homes that aren’t connected to a natural gas line, electric water heaters are the only option. These heaters are more efficient than the older gas-powered units, but they still use a large portion of the household’s electrical bill. To reduce the costs of using an electric water heater, consider installing a low-flow showerhead or recirculating pump, which lowers water usage and helps to heat it faster. Also, locating the heater closer to the points of water usage can help reduce piping costs and heat loss, and may reduce the need for a recirculating loop or pump.

Safety

Just because hot water heaters are more sophisticated than a boiling pot over an open flame doesn’t mean that they don’t come with their own set of risks. Homeowners should take a few precautions to keep their home and family safe.

First, have a professional install your new water heater. Many companies require a professional installation to register the warranty and ensure proper operation of your unit.

Keep your gas water heater at least 18 inches away from combustible materials. This reduces fire danger if there is a leak or the pilot light goes out. You should also remove combustible items like jump ropes, coats, and canisters of gasoline from the area. You should also check your vents regularly to make sure that they are not clogged with lint, dust or other materials that inhibit air flow.

Tanked hot water heaters should have thermostatic mixing valves installed to temper the water at the point of use to prevent scalding. These devices mix hot and cold water upon exiting the storage tank to deliver water at a temperature that is safe for human contact. This device is required by most plumbing codes to be installed with any residential gas water heater.

In addition to the mixing valve, a residential tank should have a pressure release valve (PRV) and a thermal expansion tank. The PRV releases excess pressure that builds up inside the tank and dumps it outside. The expansion tank allows the heated water to expand safely without overflowing and damaging your plumbing.

It’s important to flush your hot water tank to remove sediment and mineral build-up that can cause rust and corrosion in your plumbing. This will keep your water clean and extend the life of your water heater.

The tank should have a dip tube that reaches to the bottom of the storage tank to allow water to enter and exit at the top. This tube also protects the burner from overheating and burning your home’s wiring. In addition to the PRV, your water heater should have a flue to vent combustion gases out of your house.

 

What You Need to Know About Fence Maintenance

A fence is a great way to provide privacy, keep pets and children safe, and mark property lines. But like anything else fences need regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. Fence Maintenance

Keeping up with fence maintenance can save you the cost of having to shell out for a new one in a few years.

The first thing you need to do when doing fence maintenance is check for loose nails. Loose fasteners don’t just affect your fence’s appearance; they can cause serious structural problems. If left unchecked, a single loose board could sag or even fall out of place. Over time, this could damage the rest of your fence or cause a serious safety hazard for kids and pets who may try to climb it.

To prevent this from happening, it’s important to walk around your yard and examine each panel of your fence at least once a year. Look for signs of damage and rot, such as broken boards, twisted or bent posts, and rusty metal components. This is also a good opportunity to inspect the gates and make sure they’re secure and lined up properly.

Once you’ve identified areas that need attention, it’s time to gather the necessary tools and materials. This will typically include a hammer, screwdriver, drill with various sizes of drill bits, saw, wood glue or epoxy, screws or nails, replacement boards or pickets, a level, and a set of safety gear, such as gloves and goggles.

After gathering the materials you need, you’ll need to thoroughly clean your fence. This will help remove dirt, mud, mildew, and other contaminants that can cause damage to your fence. You can use a pressure washer or simply hose down the area with water. If there’s a lot of mildew, you can scrub it with a wire brush and then apply a wood cleaner or white vinegar to get rid of it.

Once the cleaning and repair work are finished, you can then re-stain or paint your fence to restore its original beauty. You should put on two thin coats of stain and allow the first to dry before applying the second. Staining your fence will provide extra protection against the elements, so it’s important to re-stain or paint every one to five years.

If your fence isn’t stained or painted, you should consider doing so as soon as possible. Without any stain or sealant, your fence will begin to show signs of wear and tear in just a few years.

Clean the Fence

The fence should be inspected for loose pickets or boards, broken hardware and other damage. If any of these problems are found they can be repaired, or new ones prevented from occurring. It is also a good time to inspect the fence for signs of insect infestation or rot. Wood can be damaged by rain or sprinkler water too, so it’s important to check the edging and any areas where wood is touching dirt or mulch. If a part of the fence is significantly warped or damaged, it may need to be replaced. Lastly, the fence should be cleaned to remove dirt buildup, pool or lawn chemicals, mold, mildew and stains from sprinklers.

Scrubbing is the most common way to clean a fence but it can also be done with a power washer. However, a power washer isn’t a common household tool and can be expensive to rent or buy. Instead, a coarse-bristled outdoor broom should be used. It has a long handle, making it easier to reach all areas of the fence without too much stooping or stretching.

A basic cleaning solution can be made by mixing water with bleach. Many hardware stores sell this product and it’s also easy to find online. Simply spray the solution on and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Then scrub the area with a brush and rinse it off thoroughly with a hose or bucket of water.

This cleaning process should be repeated as needed to keep the fence looking its best. In addition to cleaning the fence, it is recommended that you trim back any bushes or vines hanging over the fence. This will help to prevent them from catching the wind and becoming damaged or falling onto the fence. It will also help to reduce the amount of moisture that accumulates on the fence and causes rot or mold and mildew to grow.

If you’re planning on staining the fence, test a small area to ensure it will look good in the sun and with the surrounding landscape. Once the color lightens it will be difficult to get it to match again.

Re-Stain or Paint the Fence

When the fence starts to lose its luster and color, it’s time for a repaint or stain. Both methods protect the wood from moisture and UV rays, making it less likely to degrade over time. Before re-staining or painting, however, you should clean the fence thoroughly. This process removes dirt, mildew and other debris that affect how the wood absorbs stain or paint.

You can use a power washer with a spray nozzle, a scrub brush and a solution of water and detergent. Then, sand any areas of the fence that have loose paint with medium-grit or fine-grit sandpaper. You can also use a masonry brush to get into corners and crevices.

If you’re going to sand, make sure to wear protective equipment and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use. Once the surface of the fence is smooth, you can apply a primer that prepares it for the new coat of stain or paint. Once the stain or paint has dried, it’s important to walk along the entire length of the fence and look for damaged sections that need repair. This can include loose boards that should be reattached, rust on metal parts of the fence that needs to be sanded down and touched up with a rust inhibitor, or any other problems.

Staining the fence is a bit more involved than simply spraying it with paint, but the results last longer and provide a more natural appearance. The type of stain you choose is up to you, but a semi-transparent option will offer the protection that your fence needs without hiding its beauty.

When staining the fence, be aware that the weather can change how quickly it dries. Avoid staining on hot, windy days that could cause the stain to dry in blotchy or uneven patches.

Paint will fade and lose its sheen over time, so it’s necessary to re-paint every three years or so. It’s recommended that you prep the fence by sanding it with medium-grit or fine-grit paper and priming before re-painting. This is an important step to prevent the surface from chipping and peeling. When you do re-paint, be sure to use a high-quality exterior paint that’s designed for fences.

Check for Mildew

Wood fences are subject to a lot of wear and tear from the elements. This can leave them with a variety of unsightly stains and discolorations that range from simple dirt and grime to green mildew or even mold. Mildew tends to form on shady areas of the yard or fence where it is exposed to a lot of moisture. It is important to check for mildew on a regular basis. This will keep it from building up to a point where it becomes very difficult to remove.

If you notice any spots of mildew, you should clean them as soon as possible. It is easy to do so with a mixture of water and bleach or a solution that is specifically designed to kill mildew. You should also spray down the entire fence to remove any excess dirt and debris that may be present. It is a good idea to do this on a sunny day so that the sun can help to dry the wood completely.

Another sign that you may need to do some more serious repairs to your fence is if it is starting to lean or sag. This could be the result of an insect infestation or it might just be a sign that the wood is beginning to rot. If left unchecked, this can lead to the need for a full replacement of the fence.

When checking your fence for rot or other problems, be sure to look at the base of the posts as well as any boards or rails. This is where most moisture damage occurs as it can seep underneath the surface of the wood and cause rot from the inside out. If you see any areas of rot on your fence it is important to take action immediately.

In addition to checking for these common issues, you should also take the time to walk along the fence line and check for any loose pickets or other signs of wear and tear. It is always better to catch problems early on and make any necessary repairs before they become a major issue that will require costly repair or replacement.

Who Is David Sharpe With Legendary Marketers?

David Sharpe is a digital marketing entrepreneur who has built brands that the world can’t ignore. He has made it his mission to share the tools and techniques that helped him achieve success online.Legendary Marketers

Legendary Marketer David Sharpe offers a variety of training courses and products to help you succeed in the world of online marketing. Some of them are free, while others require a high-ticket payment.

David Sharpe’s Story

David Sharpe is the founder of Legendary Marketer, an online education platform that teaches people how to build a successful business. It offers training materials, coaching, and live events centered around online marketing.

He’s built three multi-million dollar companies and has a proven track record of success. He’s also collaborated with renowned business figures, including Kevin Harrington (TV show “Shark Tank”).

Sharpe’s story is a testament to his determination and resilience. He was a homeless high-school dropout with a drug addiction, but he managed to overcome these problems and turn them into strengths that led him to success.

As a result of his efforts, he has created a successful business that he runs from his home in Los Angeles. He has also helped countless other entrepreneurs achieve their dreams by providing them with the training and tools needed to succeed in internet marketing.

In fact, he has built so many businesses that he’s become one of the most sought-after trainers in the world. This is due to his ability to teach others how to create a sustainable business model that can help them achieve their goals.

He also offers a lot of free resources that can help you get started in internet marketing. These include the Million Dollar Marketer Mindset Audio Experience, which rewires your mindset and breaks old habits that are stopping you from achieving your goals. He’s also the author of How to Become an Omni-Brand Marketer, which teaches you how to be the go-to source for content on social media platforms.

The 15-Day Online Business Builder Challenge is the entry-level product offered by Legendary Marketer, and it’s a great way to get started in the program for only $7. This video training course will teach you how to build a successful online business.

You can also sign up for private mentoring sessions with Dave Sharpe. These are priceless, as you’ll be able to ask questions and get personal feedback on your business plans.

He’s got a wide range of products available for sale, with some costing as little as $1 and others costing thousands. These products can be used to build an online business and earn a full-time income.

His Training

David Sharpe is an online marketing expert who has generated over $250 million in sales with the three companies he co-founded. He’s also the author of several books and a well-known blogger. He’s a highly successful marketer and an inspiring teacher.

He offers a variety of training programs to help you start an online business. He also provides coaching and live events. He also has an affiliate program that helps you earn money for referrals.

The Legendary Marketer Program teaches you to start an online business through digital marketing. You’ll get access to several high-ticket courses that will teach you how to create a product, build a website, and generate traffic.

You’ll also learn how to grow your email list and create a sales funnel for your products. The main goal is to build a long-term passive income for yourself and your family.

There are also a number of low-ticket front-end products that you can sign up for $1 to $7, and they cover many core aspects of online marketing. They’re great for people who are just starting out in the industry and want to gain some knowledge and practice their skills before committing to higher-ticket courses.

A good marketing strategy is a crucial part of any successful business. You can’t just write articles and blog posts — you have to do research, make sure your content is unique, and provide value to your readers.

This is why it’s important to choose the right online business model. Some are better for generating leads than others.

In my opinion, the best business model is affiliate marketing. You can easily turn a few hundred dollars into thousands of dollars in commissions each month.

But before you start promoting any affiliate products, it’s vital to understand how this works. The best way to do this is by signing up for a free trial with a popular program and then seeing what your results are.

Legendary Marketer has an excellent affiliate marketing training course that teaches you how to generate quality leads and build an effective email list. The course is comprehensive and easy to follow. It’s designed to help you get started on the right foot and set you up for success in this lucrative field.

His Products

David Sharpe founded Legendary Marketer, a digital marketing school that offers digital courses, one-on-one coaching, eBooks, support groups, and live networking events to help aspiring entrepreneurs build their online businesses. The company produces low, medium, and high-ticket training materials to cover everyone from beginners to advanced marketers.

The programs are designed to teach you the basics of online marketing and help you get started in affiliate marketing, which is a legitimate form of earning money on the Internet. The programs also cover the essentials of creating digital products, getting traffic, and monetizing your website.

Many Legendary Marketer students are able to earn substantial incomes after completing the courses. They share their success stories in the community, and they’re willing to provide advice.

However, it is important to keep in mind that Legendary Marketer is a one-level affiliate marketing program, and you must promote their products before you can earn commissions from your referrals. This can be a little confusing for some people, especially if they don’t have experience in affiliate marketing or online business.

Another reason why some skeptics have negative things to say about Legendary Marketer is the high pricing of its products. This makes it difficult for affiliates to get a good return on their investment.

Some of the most popular programs offered by Legendary Marketer include the 15-Day Challenge and the Business Blueprint Starter. These programs are designed to help you build your online business from the ground up.

The business blueprint starter courses focus on core business models such as affiliate marketing, digital products, and coaching and consulting. They also offer access to a vault with coveted talks and interviews from world-class marketers.

While these programs are legitimate, it is worth considering whether they are worth the price. It may be best to look for other programs that focus on generating traffic and building a sustainable business.

While David Sharpe has helped a lot of people make money, there are some drawbacks to his programs. These include the cost of their training, the mediocre quality of their coaching, and their tendency to upsell members into higher-ticket programs.

His Community

Legendary Marketer is a community of successful affiliates and online business owners who release training products, support each other, offer to coach, and network at events. They sell training that teaches their members how to build and grow a successful business online.

They also host weekly marketing webinars with their CMO, Matt Heltzel, to teach their members how to make money online and get started with digital product sales. They even have a Mastermind group for those who want to learn from the top earners in the industry and get some real-world advice.

The Legendary Marketer program is free to join and offers high-quality training for beginners. It’s based on affiliate marketing, which is an established and legitimate way to make money online.

It’s also a great place to meet other people like yourself who are working towards their dreams. They have a very supportive and helpful Facebook community that has over 41K members, ranging from newbies to veteran entrepreneurs.

They offer low-ticket front-end products that are priced from $1 to $7, including the 15-Day Online Business Builder Challenge ($7). This course is the most popular and marketed of their products and packs a lot of information into a small price tag.

David Sharpe offers one-on-one mentorship sessions with his students to help them improve their businesses and achieve success. He’s a very patient and understanding coach, and his students have reported success with his methods.

He has a reputation for helping his students achieve their goals, and many of them have made millions of dollars. He has a great reputation in the industry and is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to become a better marketer or online business owner.

His training is well-rounded, and he covers a variety of topics, including email marketing, affiliate marketing, and creating funnels. He also teaches how to get traffic from social media and how to use retargeting ads.