How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
1.) Insulate any exposed water pipes in crawl spaces and attic. These exposed pipes are the most susceptible to freezing.
2.) If you don’t already know where your homeowner’s emergency water shut off valve is, locate it in case of emergency.
3.) Turn a trickle of warm water on in a faucet on an outside wall.
4.) Open cabinet doors to uninsulated pipes under sinks to allow heat in.
5.) Keep the heat on in your home to a minimum of 55 degrees.
6.) Unhook those water hoses and allow the hosebibs to drip!!!
If you turn on a faucet and nothing comes out, leave the faucet on, and inspect the pipes for a break. If nothing appears broken you can attempt to thaw them out by using a hair dryer or space heater starting close to the faucet and working down to the coldest section of pipe.
High Efficiency Toilets Here To Stay
Well it looks like the high efficient toilets are here to stay. House Bill # 2667 was signed into law, basically saying that by 2014 all toilets in the state of Texas will be 1.28 gallon flush. That will give the manufactures a little time to change up their lineup to suit the upcoming demand. We have had great success with the Toto, and Kohler HE toilets so far, but they have only been available in a few styles. Anyone that remembers the change to 1.6 gallon flush toilets might be a little concerned that this is going to be a disaster. I think not. The manufactures have learned a lot (Thank you Toto) and know how to make a toilet that can really work.
Hybrid Electric Water Heaters
Hybrid water heaters are saving money here in Austin.
If you have an electric water heater that needs replacing, you really need to consider going hybrid. Consumer Reports just completed a study that shows that heat pump water heaters are saving customers $325.00 a year in energy savings! That is hard to beat. That’s $3,250.00 dollars in your pocket in 10 years.
There are a couple things you should know. There is an air filter that will need to be cleaned monthly. If the filter is dirty, the heat pump won’t work. They need some room to breathe too. The minimum sized room is 10’x10’x 8’, so garages, basements, and attics would be excellent places to install these heaters. If you are not opposed to doing a little maintainance, and have the right location. This is the water heater for you. Did I mention that this qualifies for the Federal Tax Credit? that is a $450.00 credit that you will be saving on this years taxes.
If its time to replace your water heater, or you want to start saving some energy, Give us a call. We can come out, and show you some options that will fit your needs.
