Recently, our technician Keith, was in a Denver home and noticed that the customer looked distressed. Upon asking if the customer was alright
she responded that she had a headache. He asked if anyone else in the house had been experiencing headaches. She responded that since they had moved in, 3 months prior, everyone had complained of headaches.
Keith then realized that there might be a carbon monoxide leak in the house. After getting test equipment from his truck, Keith found toxic levels of carbon monoxide. This example occurs far too often in our community.
As professionals we are responsible to bring this message to our community. Every winter we hear about fatalities. But low to moderate levels of carbon monoxide occur EVERY DAY! In the warm weather your attic fan can cause carbon monoxide to be drawn throughout the house. Combustion air vents must be in place and not blocked off.
If you think there is a possibility that this is happening in your home please call a professional.
A program of the EPA’s WaterSense partnership, Fix a Leak Week is a great time to make sure a home’s plumbing system is operating properly, says owner of Ben Franklin Plumbing. Leaks account for an average of 10,000 gallons of water wasted per year in the home.
DENVER, Colo. - It’s national Fix a Leak Week March 15-21, 2010, and the master plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver advise that a few simple checks and fixes could save homeowners thousands of gallons of water each year, lower water bills and improve the operation of their home plumbing systems.
“Fix a Leak Week was establish by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and its WaterSense partnership, and it’s a great awareness program for people to check around the house to see if their plumbing is operating properly,” says Steve Jusseaume, a master plumber and owner of Ben Franklin Plumbing of Denver. “An enormous amount of water is wasted through leaks in the home that people aren’t aware of, and we hope this program gets people to save water and money.”
Leaks can account for, on average, 10,000 gallons of water wasted in the home every year, enough to fill a backyard swimming pool.
The amount of water leaked from U.S. homes could exceed more than 1 trillion gallons of water every year. That’s equivalent to the annual water use of Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami - combined.
10% of American homes have leaks in faucets, toilets, showerheads or sprinkler systems that waste over 90 gallons of water a day.
Just one leaky faucet can waste more than 3,100 gallons of water every year.
Taking a cue from WaterSense, Jusseaume notes that checking for leaks around the home is easy. The first step is to listen, as many leaks are audible. Then inspect each and every faucet in the home and outside for signs of dripping - spots of water in the basin or on the splash outside. For toilets, Jusseaume says to put a little food coloring in the tank; if color seeps into the bowl, the toilet is leaking.
Many of these types of leaks can be fixed easily, most by replacing a washer or gasket in the fixture’s spout, says Jusseaume. A faucet leaking at one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water per year, he adds.
Toilets that run all the time could be wasting as much as 200 gallons of water a day, the Ben Franklin Plumber says. The most common problem is a broken or worn flapper in the tank, and it’s a quick job to replace it.
Of course, Jesseaume notes that sometimes leaks are undetectable by a non-professional. But a homeowner can narrow down a problem by following some simple steps from Denver Water. The water agency says to first locate the water meter for the house, and then the water shut-off valve for your home; it can be inside or out and is commonly located where the main water line enters the foundation. Then turn off all faucets, outlets and water-using appliances in the home. Note the gallon calculating sweep hand on the meter (it looks very much like the second hand on a watch). Wait about 30 minutes, then check the meter again: if it has moved, you have a leak somewhere. Then, close the main shut-off valve; if the indicator on the meter stops, you have a leak inside the home. If the indicator is still moving, the leak is underground between the water meter and the shut-off valve.
“Many homeowners can handle simple leaks and repairs with a few dollars worth of washers and gaskets from the hardware store,” says Jusseaume. “But if the leak is underground or more severe, or if the toilet won’t stop running, it’s time to call in a professional plumber and get the problem solved. It’ll save the homeowner money in the long run, prevent any further water damage, and of course it will help conserve a precious resource, water.”
Jusseaume adds that if it’s time to replace fixtures like faucets and toilets, the WaterSense program and plumbers alike recommend fixtures carrying the WaterSense label as they are approved for today’s water-conscious requirements and will save homeowners money on water bills.
As an extra incentive on new fixtures, Denver Water offers many rebates to residential customers who buy and install qualifying high-efficiency toilets, washing machines, rains sensors, water heaters and other water-efficient fixtures. In addition, some of these appliances may qualify for rebates through the Colorado Governor’s Energy Office, and for federal tax credits through the U.S. government’s Energy Star program.
WaterSense, launched in 2006, is an EPA-sponsored partnership of local water utilities and governments, product manufacturers, retailers, consumers and other stakeholders dedicated to promoting water efficiency and enhancing the market for water-efficient products, programs and practices.
Family owned and operated for over 30 years, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver provides the full array of plumbing services throughout the Metro Denver area. For more information or to schedule a guaranteed appointment, visit www.benfranklinplumbingdenver.com or call 303-340-3400.
Consumers to get money back for hot water heaters and other appliances, solar panels, insulation, and home efficiency improvements. The Governor’s Energy Office encourages homeowners to plan ahead - when the money runs out, the rebates end.
DENVER - March 16, 2010 — Coloradans can soon tap into millions of Recovery Act dollars and take steps to save money, boost the economy and save energy as the Governor’s Energy Office and partners prepare to launch a sweeping, statewide rebate program April 19. This initiative is designed to bring energy efficiency and renewable energy to tens of thousands of Coloradans and will provide nearly 75,000 rebates worth approximately $22 million.
Coloradans will be able to connect easily with opportunities to save dollars and do some good for the economy and the environment by visiting the Recharge Colorado website (also launching April 19) to sign up for rebates on a wide array of appliances, services and equipment that will save energy, reduce energy bills and create jobs for Colorado. The website and rebate program will offer Colorado consumers a service unprecedented in scope - providing comprehensive and localized information about rebates, financial incentives, contractors, energy conservation tips and availability of goods and services across the state.
Items eligible for rebates will include:
Equipment such as dishwashers, clothes washers, refrigerators, as well as furnaces and hot water heaters.
Residential energy efficiency measures such as insulation and air sealing, duct sealing, whole-house energy audits and whole-house energy monitors.
Renewable energy projects, including solar photovoltaic systems, solar hot water systems for homes and businesses and small wind installations.
A complete list is included at the end of this announcement. About one-third of the rebates will be provided for ENERGY STAR appliances, furnaces and hot water heaters. The bulk of the funding for the program is provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Local partners across Colorado provided additional dollars.
“Coloradans are unique and our goal was to develop a rebate program and education campaign that would match the ‘do it yourself’ ethic that is a hallmark of this great state,” said GEO director Tom Plant. “We look forward to providing Coloradans this opportunity to save money, save energy and participate in our New Energy Economy. We invite consumers to discover the wealth of energy-saving information available to them through this one-stop clearinghouse at our soon-to-be-launched Recharge Colorado web site. Connecting people to this information will, in turn, mean more jobs and business for the companies that provide these valuable services.”
Ben Franklin Plumbing of Denver added that it sells and installs a line of tankless hot water heaters from Rinnai that qualify for the Governor’s Energy Office rebate program, as well as rebate programs from Denver Water and federal tax credits. Also, Ben Franklin can provide a range of plumbing services for other appliances covered the in the new rebate program, and the master plumbing company will assist homeowners with all of the necessary paperwork to be able to claim a rebate, incentive or tax credit. Call Ben Franklin Plumbing Denver at 303-340-3400 or visit its website at www.benfranklinplumbingdenver.com for more details.
Critical consumer information
The GEO expects high consumer interest in all rebates. For ENERGY STAR appliance rebates, the GEO along with its local partners expects brisk consumer action. Those appliances account for about 16,000 of the rebates. In light of that, it’s important for consumers to have realistic expectations and to recognize the limits of the program.
Rebates on kitchen appliances range from $50 to $100 while those for hot water heaters and furnaces range from $200 to $500. These rebates will be reserved on-line on a first-come, first-served basis. The GEO rebates will not be retroactive. This means that products purchased and installed before the GEO launches the program will be ineligible for rebates.
Consumers are reminded that no rebates are guaranteed until all documentation is provided to the GEO. Consumers that are interested in energy efficiency appliances should consider the savings that are immediately available to them through retailer, utility or manufacturer incentives. Many retailers may currently offer sales that exceed what will be available in the rebate program.
Rebates for renewable energy measures, such as solar hot water or solar electric systems, will require a home energy audit before applying. Walkthrough audits that have been conducted after Dec. 31 2006 but before program launch can be accepted. After April 19, however, the audit must be performed by a Building Performance Institute (BPI) or Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) certified auditor. Rebates are available for home energy audits performed after April 19.
Beginning April 19, consumers will be directed to the Recharge Colorado website to apply for and reserve rebates. The rebate check will be issued to the homeowner, for both energy efficiency and renewable energy applications. More detailed information on the rebate application process and rebate criteria will be provided on the GEO website by March 31.
Home appliance rebates
ALL APPLIANCES MUST BE ENERGY STAR RATED.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS EXIST above just Energy Star labeling in some cases
Not all products and services will qualify for a rebate. The GEO strongly encourages consumers to review the rebate materials carefully when considering purchases.
For an appliance that is deemed eligible, the following rebate level will be paid:*
Clothes washers $75
Dishwashers $50
*Refrigerators $100 with proof the previous refrigerator was recycled. Proof consists of a receipt from a recycling facility or a receipt from a retailer engaged in an existing recycling agreement with the GEO. A list of retailers will be available in coming weeks.
*Refrigerators $50 with no proof of recycling.
**Furnaces - gas condensing $500
Hot water heater - gas condensing/high performance $200 (minimum efficiency rating available in coming weeks)
Hot water heater - gas tankless $300
Gas boilers - $400
*Refrigerators must be at least 12 cubic feet in size to qualify.
**Furnaces must also be rated at an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) greater or equal to 92 percent
Residential energy efficiency rebates
Insulation and air sealing - 20% of cost up to $400 (will not exceed $600 if combined with an existing local utility rebate taken by the consumer)
Duct sealing - 20% of cost up to $75 (will not exceed $125 if combined with an existing local utility rebate)
Whole-house energy audit - tiered rebate of $25 to $100 depending on cost of audit
Whole-house energy monitor - $50 (will not exceed $100 if combined with an existing local utility rebate)
Renewable energy rebates Note: Rebates are based on system size, calculated per watt. So no hard dollar figure is provided here.
Solar photovoltaic - 20 to 30%. In some cases, rebates combined with local incentives will result in a 50 % reduction in costs.
Solar domestic hot water - 30% of the cost
Solar thermal and/or hot water (commercial only - no pools, spas or snowmelt) - approx. 30 % of the cost of the system
Small wind (residential) up to 10 kW - approx. 30% of the cost of the system
Small wind (commercial) - approx. 15 to 20% of the cost of the system
*Xcel and Black Hills Energy customers are excluded due to existing residential photovoltaic rebates offered through those utilities.
Just a friendly holiday hello- to let you know that the Jusseaume Family and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Be sure to read through our Winter 2009/2010 Newsletter to find out how we’re lending a Helping Hand for Christmas for TWO lucky winners.
In light of the economic times, we are trying to cut our costs by reaching out to all of you via email. We hope that you’ll understand and believe us when we say that our intentions with your email address are for nothing more than a quarterly Newsletter,
specials and coupons we’re offering, or a friendly reminder about your Ben Franklin Society Membership and all the benefits included
(like your complimentary whole house plumbing inspection, discounted rates, and priority status).
We don’t want to bother you or end up in your spam folder, so we would appreciate it if you would fill out the brief survey below.
We appreciate your business and look forward to hearing from you!
DENVER – Cold weather is nothing new for the Denver area, of course, but the plumbing pros at Denver’s Benjamin Franklin – The Punctual Plumber know all too well that each time the mercury plunges many homeowners face a new, and potentially devastating problem: frozen pipes.
Temperatures in the Denver Metro area began to hit the single digits on Wednesday night, Dec. 2, then the official low overnight into Thursday hit 1 degree, and plunged to 2 degrees in the wee hours of Friday. But the forecast calls for a warming trend on Friday – a high of 33 degrees is predicted by the U.S. Weather Service – and continuing into Saturday, which means the problems should show up over the next 24 hours.
And watch out – temperatures should plunge again beginning Sunday, reaching a low of 7 degrees early Tuesday, with another warming trend beginning next Wednesday and into the weekend of the 11th-13th. That could spell Round Two in the burst pipes saga.
While severely low temperatures at any time bring a rash of burst pipes, Ben Franklin plumbers point out that the most problems are usually found in the first few cold snaps of the season. Many people, they say, put off winterizing chores until after the first really cold weather moves through the area, so even pipes that were fine a year ago might be subjected to different conditions. A basement window may have been left open or was broken during the summer months, which changed the environment around critical pipes. Or, the experts warn, a heat duct might be closed off or clogged.
Also, don’t be complacent: pipes that weather a temperature dip to 0 degrees this time might well be subjected to disaster if another cold snap sends the mercury plunging just a few degrees more. Keep in mind that the record low temperature in Denver in the month of December is -25 degrees – and that happened on the 22nd of December in 1990. The record low for January is -29 degrees, and -25 degrees for February.
Of course, if pipes freeze and burst, the best thing to do is to call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Denver before the water damage gets too severe. As experts in all aspects of plumbing, and especially frozen pipes, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing has plumbers on the ready who understand that a punctual response in such an emergency is key to limiting damage.
But there are some precautions homeowners can take:
Know where you main water shut-off valve is in case of emergency.
Check around your pipes, especially those in the basement, basement crawl space, and any that may be in outside walls (like behind a washing machine) to make sure there is an adequate heat source or insulation to withstand bitter cold.
Make sure windows, especially basement windows, are not broken or inadequate for freezing temperatures. Insulate if necessary.
Keep the cabinet and vanity doors open that lead to under the kitchen sink and bathroom sink, so the warmth of the room will keep the pipes from freezing.
On really cold nights, let the water run at a trickle in suspect fixtures; running water takes a lot longer to freeze.
One of the other key problems in frozen water pipes is something you might not notice before the Spring: frozen sprinkler system pipes. Many people delay blowing out their sprinkler systems and during a severe cold spell they are particularly susceptible to freeze/thaw damage. And don’t forget the other outside faucets; leaving hoses connected can cause freezing, damage and could result in bursting pipes.
A good way to avoid all of these potential plumbing ills is to have the expert plumbers at Ben Franklin Plumbing of Denver perform a Complete Plumbing Inspection of your entire plumbing system, including the sprinkler system and outdoor faucets. In addition to making sure all of the fixtures, plumbing-based appliances, drains, sewer connections, water pipes and mains are up to serving the needs of your household, they can also spot and easily correct potential problem areas that could arise from severe cold.
If you have a severe-weather emergency, call right away: 303-532-1352. For all other services call today for a Plumbing Inspection or an estimate on desired plumbing changes or upgrades.
When it’s cold outside, knowing your plumbing is safe let’s you keep warm and toasty.
Reduced home values and the appeal of an $8,000 tax credit for first-time buyers are helping existing home sales to limp along mid-2009 4.885 million units short of original projections for the year. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released the telling numbers earlier this month (July).
That puts the pressure on sellers to ensure that their property listed for sale is priced right and shows right. Without question, a home has to pass the requisite inspection with flying colors, or a potential buyer will likely walk, using the issues as an “out clause.” If the inspection reveals issues that are anything but cosmetic, the lender is likely to decline financing, effectively making the buyers’ decision for them. Worse yet for the seller who may not have realized he/she had issues with their home, having received documentation of problem areas puts the owner on notice to declare them to potential buyers or fix them.
At the heart of inspection is the plumbing, says Steve Jusseaume, Master plumber and owner of Ben Franklin Plumbing Denver. Jusseaume has held License #178235 since 1978.
In those 31 years, Jusseaume has fixed every kind of commercial and residential plumbing problem conceivable. That’s why he’s in demand for plumbing inspections these days, as buyers vet a good deal from bad.
Plumbing that drips, leaks and clogs are sometimes apparent in a casual walk-though. For the most part, complex plumbing issues can be difficult to detect. That’s where Ben Franklin Plumbing Denver comes in with its expertise. When Jusseaume inspects a home, he looks a lot deeper than surface plumbing issues including detailed inspection and diagnosis of:
• All types of water heaters, water softeners, boilers
• Kitchen and laundry fixtures and appliances
• Bathroom fixtures
• Drainage and sump pumps
• Sewer lines and wastewater lines plus water lines.
As expected, older homes can have problems with plumbing that have either gone undetected or unrepaired for years.
When my parents finally acquiesced, agreeing to sell the residence they’d called “home” for nearly 40 years, plumbing repairs became a priority. They’d built this home, or rather, hired a contractor to build it for them, at a time they had more potential than cash. That’s not to say it wasn’t a swell house. Any six-bedroom, two-story home with St. Charles kitchen cabinetry inside and a 40-ft. swimming pool outside was, er is, substantial by most forms of accounting. In the early years, they were bent on improving the place they raised their four daughters. But particularly in the later years some of the repairs they once would have prioritized as necessary had fallen by the wayside.
The dishwasher was a perfect example.
In the decades in between high school graduation and the eve of my parents putting their home on the market, I had filled and started the dishwasher dozens of times after family holiday dinners. It was kind of expected that us girls, grown with our own families, would help tidy up the kitchen after mom and dad too pulled out all the stops making a holiday dinner. As much as she’d fuss, “You don’t have to do that,” we’d rally to the cleanup. The last button we’d push would be the “On” button for the dishwasher and then my sisters who’d flown in for the holiday would retire upstairs for the night and I’d drive back to my home nearby.
In the weeks before mom and dad listed the house, mom went appliance shopping. She identified the new dishwasher, stovetop, double ovens and refrigerator she suddenly “needed.” When I asked her what the heck she was doing committing to $10,000 in stainless steel appliances, for a kitchen that worked perfectly well, she told me that she had to leave the dishwasher door open during the dry cycle or steam would build up and warp the wood facing on the countertop.
“How long has that been going on?” I asked.
“Nine years.” She responded as if it was recently discovered…and maybe it was given the way time accelerates as age advances.
Wise sellers address these issues is before they list their home. That’s where Jusseaume and Ben Franklin Plumbing Denver help sellers keep their edge in a competitive market. Interested buyers will run the tap or flush the loo when first touring a home. Serious buyers will test the sprinkler system. But it’s the inspector for the buyer who will actually put all appliances and systems through their paces, identifying cracks, missing bolts, switching problems, seal issues, etc.
Sometimes a home will pass an inspection with flying colors. It’s pretty obvious in that case that the owner took pride in his/her home and truly cared for it. Buyers appreciate getting into a home that’s been pre-loved, not just pre-owned. But even owners who have a deep affection for their home may overlook issues or put off repairs.
Realtors across the board will tell you that homes that are newly listed and are also priced right and in good showing condition sell faster than homes that are priced too high or need repairs. If you want to shorten the days your property is listed on the market, now is a good time to schedule an inspection and repairs.
If you’re making an offer on a property, call Ben Franklin Plumbing in Denver and schedule your whole house plumbing inspection. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing we pride ourselves on our simple and straightforward pricing met by our 24-7 availability and sealed with our punctuality guarantee, “if there’s any delay, it’s you we pay.” We are always true to our word and our work including a 2-year guarantee on all services.
Visit us at www.benfranklinplumbingdenver.com. Or call Ben Franklin Plumbing Denver at 303-340-3400.
There was a conversation going on the other day about all of the $1 million-+ houses all over Denver that are sitting idle and not selling. A mortgage closer chimed in that the there are many people buying new homes in the Denver area, and refinancing existing homes, both through mortgage instruments, of course, but that it seemed like what was selling was $750,000 and down. “We’re not seeing much activity in the million-plus stuff, the closer said.The reason, many speculate, is not that people who could afford the more expensive homes aren’t buying; rather that people are showing a decided preference for smaller homes - a movement that has sprung up just in the last year and half or so. And it’s not a go-cheap movement; these buyers, it is said, are going for smaller, more energy efficient and more comfortable homes “We’re moving from a ‘quantity of life’ to a “quality of life” point of view,” noted one observer.A major part of this movement, according to many observers, is a nearly universal desire to lower one’s carbon footprint. Use less energy, use less water, recycle more; be a part of a “new energy” awareness - while at the same time enjoying a high quality of life.The plumbers at Ben Franklin Plumbing Denver have many services, of course, that fit into this movement nicely, including new, more energy efficient plumbing fixtures, inspections of sprinkler systems to insure optimum efficiency, checks on toilets and all fixtures to make sure there are no leaks or wastes - even minor leaks in a toilet, for instance, can waste thousands of gallons of water and cost a homeowner as much as double on a water bill.But the single best thing a home owner can do right away to lower their carbon footprint, save water, save money, and improve their quality of life is to install a tankless water heater.Ben Franklin recommends the GoHot brand of tankless water heaters, and the pros at Ben Franklin are experts in the installation and use of these modern energy saving devices.There are many advantages to going tankless, not the least of which is that a tankless system just takes up less space - the unites are just 23 inches tall, a mere 9.8 inches deep, and up to 18.5 inches wide. So first, you can get that large, round water heater tank off the basement floor and have extra room.But , of course, what you want to save is energy - a Rinnai tankless water heating system is 30% more efficient than a standard natural gas water heater, and a whopping 50% more efficient than a traditional tank run on electricity. And not only that, a tankless system heats water as it is needed, so it only uses energy when called for, plus it provides an endless supply of hot water. The “tank” never empties.Oh, yes, and one more thing: the typical hot water tank system normally comes with a 10 to 12 year life expectancy, but the GoHot Tankless Water Heater system carries a 20-year life expectancy, offering years and years of trouble-free operation.When you look to lower you carbon footprint and yet do it in a way that increases your quality of life, look no further than a GoHot Tankless Water Heater system from Ben Franklin Plumbing Denver. More hot water. Less space. Much more energy efficiency. You’ll be telling your old hot water heater: “Tanks for the memories.”
Temperatures plummeting to record-breaking lows have caused water pipe breaks and leaks to reach an all-time high. According to the Denver Post, in a cold spell, there is about a 10 percent increase in plumbing problems due to frozen pipes and when temperatures warm up and pipes begin to thaw, there is about a 20 percent increase in plumbing problems due to leaks.
When the temperature goes below zero degrees, energy drains from the water and the water freezes. Then because the volume of frozen water is greater than the volume of liquid water, the pressure causes pipes to break. When you find out you have a broken pipe, make sure to turn off the water and the water heater.
You may have a frozen pipe if you turn on the faucet and only a weak stream of water comes out. As the frozen area begins to melt, more water will flow. When you find out you have a broken pipe, make sure to turn off the water and the water heater. If you believe you can locate the frozen section, you can heat it yourself but it is not recommended because improper thawing can cause the pipe to burst. Note: never use a torch to thaw pipes. If it is in an out-of-reach area or if you are not sure where it is or how to thaw it, Ben Franklin plumbing can help you to locate and thaw the frozen area immediately.
To prevent pipes from freezing, you can make sure the area around them is well-ventilated so warm air can circulate and make sure they are insulated, but if it is too late and it is zero degrees or lower, you may want to let the water run because it is less likely the pipes will freeze, but this should only be a temporary solution in case of emergency, because it will waste water and run up your water bill. To find out more about frozen pipes and how they can be prevented and thawed visit the American Red Cross web site prepare.org.
Should you need Ben Franklin to come to your rescue, they will do so in a timely manner. Of course, they respond as soon as possible to all emergencies. And for any service, they set and keep appointments. You will not have to wait around for some four-hour suggested window of time to come and go like you may with other plumbers, Ben Franklin plumbing will let you know the specific window of time you can expect them. They know your time is valuable so if they are late, they will pay you $5 per minute up to $300. They guarantee satisfaction and will not charge for the service if you are not happy.
Fixing leaky faucets and tightening loose plumbing joints alone can save more than 15 gallons of water per leak per day.
Optimize utility of appliances. Make sure your dishwasher and washing machine are not half empty (or half full). Fill them all the way before running through a cycle.
Make simple adjustments. Switching to water-saving shower heads and faucets saves over 600 gallons of water each month. Shaving even one minute off of your total shower time can make hundreds of gallons of difference per month. Consider an electric razor. Don’t forget to turn the water off while you brush your teeth either.
With energy costs rising faster than the summer heat, it’s time to put your money where your water is, that is if you want to save money in the long run. The problem with conventional water heaters, according to Steve Jusseaume, owner of Ben Franklin Plumbing in Denver, Colorado, is that water needs-particularly household hot water needs, are not constant, but fluctuate every day. If your home is served by a traditional water heater, that means that a lot of water is being constantly heated even at times its not needed. Jusseaume installs goHotTM systems that heat your residential water as needed.
Ben Franklin’s goHot system turns on and off as needed. It reduces your energy use and you’ll begin to see the savings immediately, says Jesseaume, who has installed goHot systems citywide.
Reduce waste. Anytime you can use a dust mop on your hardwood floor or a broom in your garage, try that before going straight for the water bucket or hose. If you kill a spider simply throw it in the trash instead of using a full flush of toilet water. And don’t let that water go to waste when you are waiting for the water to run hot. Save it for plants, ice cube trays or other needs that room-temperature water can quench.
Everyone knows the lawn needs nourishment, but make sure you are not over-watering it and above all, make sure the sprinkler heads are well-positioned by a professional in order to avoid sidewalk spill.
Sacramento -The Water Quality Association anxiously is awaiting the outcome of an assembly bill here that would allow individual municipalities to decide whether to restrict the use of residential water softeners.
The bill, AB 2270, would allow any local agency that operates a sewer system to “control salinity inputs, including inputs from water softeners.” Such action, however, would require a finding by the State Water Resources Control Board or a regional water quality control board that controlling residential salinity would help meet water quality standards.
The WQA, which vehemently opposes the bill, argues that it gives unelected water boards the power to decide whether towns can ban softeners. WQA Executive Director Peter Censky added that the vast majority of salinity in the ground in California results from growth and other processes. “(The bill) is totally unfair to consumers who own water softeners because most of the salinity comes from agriculture and commercial and industrial uses,” he said.
Steve Lehtonen, executive director of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Calirfornia, said state officials are considering the measure as part of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s overall water usage plan for the state through the year 2020.
“They’re basically expanding the ability of cities and counties to regulate water softeners,” he said.
Lehtonen pointed out that the bill does give local agencies discretion over how to control salinity. An outright ban on water softeners is only one option in the bill.
According to the bill, agencies would be able to require the highest efficiency, commercially available, self-regenerating residential water softeners. In addition, they could require plumbing permits before installation of water softeners or water softeners only hooked up to hot water.
If an agency decided to order the removal of previously installed residential water softeners, it would need to compensate owners, the bill states.
Lehtonen, who also is director of Green Plumbers USA, said groups such as Green Plumbers support increased conservation and efficiency without affecting the quality of life for consumers.
“I think we’re getting to the time where there are water conditioning devices that don’t require as much salt,” he said. “Our position would be that we would work with the manufacturers of these conditioning systems to get there.
“In a sense, (state legislators) are calling the manufacturers’ bluff a little bit by saying there are things that can be done.”
Censky did say modern water softeners have come a long way over the years.
“The older water softeners were real water hogs, but all the new water softeners are extremely efficient,” he said. “We’ve been working through a series of bills that caused us to raise the efficiency of this equipment as an industry through standards, thereby reducing water and salt use dramatically,” he said.
Censky said outright bans on water softeners, however, would have a dramatic financial impact on consumers.
He argued that without water softeners, water heaters will not last as long, pipes will accumulate lime scale, plumbing fixtures will corrode more rapidly and dishwashers and clothes washers will lose their effective life.
“It takes about 29% more energy to produce hot water in a water heater that is calling than one with a water softener,” he said.
If the bill makes it to Schwarzenegger’s desk and he signs it, Lehtonen said the industry deserves ample time to adjust.
“I hate to see all of the industry on one side and all of the water agencies on the other, but this is coming because we’re at a critical time,” he said.
“I think a good approach would be to say we have to do this but allow time for industry to respond.”
