Meteorologist Jonathan Cubit has an update on the conditions expected to hit Wyoming, Chautauqua, Allegany, Cattaraugus and southern Erie counties at 10 p.m. Wednesday.

The blizzard warning will be in effect until 4 p.m. Friday.

MORE | Blizzard Warning issued for parts of WNY

Driving in Winter Conditions

Blankets or sleeping bags

Rain gear, extra sets of dry clothing,mittens, socks, and wool hats

Newspapers for insulation

Plastic bags for sanitation

Canned fruit, nuts, and high energy snacks(Include a non-electric can opener if necessary)

Warm broth in a thermos and several bottlesof water

Keep a cell phone or two-way radio withyou. Make sure the battery is charged.

Plan to travel during daylight and, ifpossible, take at least one other person with you.

If You Become Stranded

Snowstorms& Extreme Cold

Winterstorms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbonmonoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. Winter storms andblizzards can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice, and high winds. Awinter storm can:

IFYOU ARE UNDER A WINTER STORM WARNING, FIND SHELTER RIGHT AWAY

HOWTO STAY SAFE WHEN A WINTER STORM THREATENS:

Prepare NOW

Survive DURING

RECOGNIZE AND RESPOND

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Blizzard Warning takes effect tonight in southern half of Western New York - WIVB.com - News 4

As an electrician, conduit is going to be a constant companion in your career. But what exactly is electrical conduit and what are the main types of electrical conduit? Well help you answer those questions in this edition of Training the Apprentice.

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In general, conduit is a channel or pathway that can apply to many different areas. Roadways can be traffic conduits, ditches can be conduits for water, websites are a conduit for information.

When were talking about electrical conduit, were talking about the physical pathways you create in order to run wiring in a building. They serve to guide and protect wiring.

There are several different types of conduit you may use over the course of your career, and youll find specific details of how and when to use it in the National Electrical Code and other state and local building codes.

The basic idea is that youll create a logical pathway from the box to every point in the building that requires electricity in a way that is almost completely hidden once the walls and ceilings are in place. There may be some conduit that remains visible on the exterior of buildings, in open ceiling structures, electrical rooms, and others.

Once you install the electrical conduit paths, you pull wire through them to your termination points.

Price: $41.98

Was: $42.98

Youll hear several acronyms tossed around when youre talking about types of electrical conduit along with terms like rigid and flexible. Heres a breakdown of the most common types of electrical conduit.

RMC stands for rigid metal conduit. Its one of the most heavy-duty types of electrical conduit and uses galvanized steel for its construction. As an outdoor-friendly conduit, it provides outstanding protection from environmental and physical damage. Its also capable of providing structural support for boxes, cables, and other electrical equipment.

Intermediate metal conduit (IMC) is a toned-down version of RMC thats thinner and lighter. Even though its not as thick, its typically approved for all of the same applications as RMC. Given the choice between the two, our electricians prefer IMC simply because its lighter weight makes it much easier to deal with.

Around our Pro team, EMT is the most common term thrown around when were talking about types of electrical conduit. Some of the new guys and gals use it as a catch-all term for all metal conduit, but thats not actually correct.

EMT stands for electrical metallic tubing and is a type of rigid metal conduit. You normally see it made from galvanized steel and it also shows up as aluminum in some cases.

As a thinner metal tube, its easy to bend and kink. When youre installing EMT, you use a conduit bender to make your bends without kinking and a compact or 12V reciprocating saw with a high TPI blade is all you need to cut it.

Way back before most of us were born (the early 1900s), Harry Greenfield invented a flexible metal conduit (FMC). Using steel or aluminum for construction, it has a distinct spiral look to it that allows it to flex over short distances much easier than EMT. It has a big advantage when you need to add conduit in tight spaces or around existing equipment.

LFMC, or liquid-tight flexible metal conduit, is similar to FMC but covered in a waterproofing coating. Its useful for outdoor applications and wet interior areas and requires fittings that are also watertight.

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Electrical non-metal tubing (ENT conduit) is different from the other types of electrical conduit weve discussing so far in several ways. Its a flexible PVC tubing that looks a lot like a pool hose.

You can encase it in concrete, run it behind walls and under floors, and use it as a replacement for EMT. The major manufacturer for ENT uses 2-hour fire resistant rated materials. ENT is not UV-resistant, though, so using it where it will be exposed to UV rays is out.

Rigid PVC is a very familiar material to many folks thanks to its similarities to the PVC we use in plumbing and irrigation. Unlike EMT, you cant use a conduit bender to manipulate it. PVC needs to be heated before in order to bend it. Typically that happens using a heater box but you can use a heat gun as an alternative in the field.

As a conduit, rigid PVC shares the same characteristics as water pipe: you glue it together and its water-tight when you install it correctly. That makes it useful for direct burial underground and its allowable in corrosive environments. You can also encase it in concrete, conceal it in walls, or leave it exposed.

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What is Electrical Conduit? | Training the Apprentice - Pro Tool Reviews

The aluminum along the edge of this roof extends up 5 inches under the shingles. A self-regulating heating cable snaps into the edge of the aluminum, delivering heat that extends upwards by conduction. Robert Maxwell photo

Q: What product have you recommended in the past to stop ice from developing on roofs? Several years ago you wrote about an option that doesnt use rooftop cables but I cant find the article now.

A: The product youre remembering is called Edge Cutter and its designed and made by a Canadian company called Heat-Line. The system is based on a 5-inch wide aluminum heating strip that slips underneath the shingles along the edge of the roof. An electric heating cable snaps into this aluminum strip and is completely hidden and protected. Plug in the system when rooftop ice begins to form and it will soon melt as heat from the aluminum warms the shingles above it. Ive installed this system personally and watched it work since 2017. Visit baileylineroad.com/ice-dam-solution/ for a video tour of an ice dam system I installed.

Drying Out a Damp House

Q: How can we reduce the moisture levels inside our rural vacation home? We use the place mostly during winter for skiing trips, but we also rent the house out a lot of the time, too. Is there some sort of small ventilation system that would make our place less moist during winter?

A: Yes, there are several solutions for you. While you could simply open windows a little and use exhaust fans more often, you cant count on diligent management of these things when people are renting your place. This is why a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) is a good idea. It will definitely solve your wintertime moisture problems. By exchanging outdoor air for indoor air, youll lower indoor humidity levels a lot. Aim for a 30 per cent to 4 per cent relative humidity during the coldest months, or whatever humidity level is necessary to reduce window condensation to almost nothing. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals are the typical trade workers that install HRVs. Cost is usually about $2,000 to $2,500. If you leave the unit running all the time on a low fan speed it will make the air fresher and drier without complicated operating procedures.

Roof eaves successfully cleared of ice by aluminum heating plates underneath the shingles. Steve Maxwell photojpg, SU

Tankless or Tank-Style Water Heater?

Q: Should I replace my tank-style water heater with a tankless model? Our current heater was new in 2006 and our insurance company demands we change it or theyll suspend coverage.

A: Changing your heater for a new one isnt a bad idea given its age, but youre wise to weigh the pros and cons of the two main options. I recommend tankless water heaters for some situations, but not all. On the plus side, tankless units do use somewhat less energy overall. Thats because they eliminate what is called standby losses as hot water is held in the internal tank, slowly losing heat while it sits there hot. Perhaps the best thing about tankless heaters is that theyre small and mount on a wall. On the downside, tankless heaters are not cheap. They cost $2,500 to $3,000 installed, and theyre more technically complicated than tank-style heaters.

Replacing your old tank-style heater with a new tank-style model would cost only about $1,000. Theres a lot less to go wrong with a tank-style heater than tankless. Also, tankless heaters usually require semi-annual or annual internal flushing of the heat exchanger with vinegar to remove mineral build-up.

Either way, if you dont have access to natural gas, you might be tempted to use propane to run your water heater. Few people realize that propane is sometimes more expensive than electricity considering how much heat you get per dollar. If youre paying 16 cents per kilowatt-hour for electricity, then any propane price over about 89 cents per litre makes it more expensive than electric power.

Steve Maxwell is always looking for ways to make life more efficient. Visit Steve online at BaileyLineRoad.com for articles, videos and 30,000 people who get his famous Saturday morning email newsletter.

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Maxwell: Heres a good way to stop ice developing on roofs - The Sudbury Star

Photo byKim GiseokonUnsplash

The winter season is upon us, and the snowy and rainy conditions can make for challenging travel as family, friends, food and festive occasions pull Californians all over the state.

As winter settles in, Californians will start to see a whole new set of extreme conditions, said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin. Please take care out there on the roads, dont crowd the plows, have patience, give yourself more travel time, and know that were hard at work to clear whatever may be standing in your way.

Below are some recommended actions you can take to reduce the risks to you and your loved ones on the highways. Drivers must use their best judgment in all types of weather.

Know Before You Go:

Before traveling, Caltrans recommends checking weather and road conditions. Caltrans QuickMap is an online resource with real-time traffic flow information, chain control alerts, and closure information. It is available at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ or you can download it as an app for your phone from Google and Apple. Motorists can also call 511 or the Caltrans Highway Information Network at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623) for travel information.

Winter Driving Tips:

Chain Control Information:

All vehicles, including those with four-wheel drive or snow tires, should carry chains when traveling in snowy weather. Highway signs and QuickMap will indicate when chains are required, and drivers must stop and install chains. Motorists should pull off the roadway completely to install them. If you need help, chain installers may be available to assist for a fee. Please note, chain installers are not Caltrans employees. They are independent business people who are licensed to install chains. Once chains are installed, obey the speed limit of 25 or 30 miles per hour, posted at various locations.

Chain Control Levels:

R-1: Chains, traction devices or snow tires with proper tread depth of 6/32 are required on the drive axle of all vehicles except four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles.R-2: Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels. NOTE: Four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas.R-3: Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles, no exceptions. NOTE: R-1 and R-2 are the most common chain controls. The highway will usually be closed before an R-3 control is imposed)

For more information on winter driving, chain controls, and additional resources, visit Caltrans Winter Driving Tips page. Please be safe out there California.

Read more:
Don't Crowd the Plow and More Winter Travel Tips from Caltrans - A News Cafe

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SACRAMENTO The winter season is upon us, and the snowy and rainy conditions can make for challenging travel as family, friends, food and festive occasions pull Californians all over the state.

As winter settles in, Californians will start to see a whole new set of extreme conditions, said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin. Please take care out there on the roads, dont crowd the plows, have patience, give yourself more travel time, and know that were hard at work to clear whatever may be standing in your way.

Below are some recommended actions you can take to reduce the risks to you and your loved ones on the highways. Drivers must use their best judgment in all types of weather.

Know Before You Go:

Before traveling, Caltrans recommends checking weather and road conditions. Caltrans QuickMap is an online resource with real-time traffic flow information, chain control alerts, and closure information. It is available athttp://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/or you can download it as an app for your phone from Google and Apple. Motorists can also call 511 or the Caltrans Highway Information Network at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623) for travel information.

Winter Driving Tips:

Chain Control Information:

All vehicles, including those with four-wheel drive or snow tires, should carry chains when traveling in snowy weather. Highway signs andQuickMapwill indicate when chains are required, and drivers must stop and install chains. Motorists should pull off the roadway completely to install them. If you need help, chain installers may be available to assist for a fee. Please note, chain installers are not Caltrans employees. They are independent business people who are licensed to install chains. Once chains are installed, obey the speed limit of 25 or 30 miles per hour, posted at various locations.

Chain Control Levels:

R-1: Chains, traction devices or snow tires with proper tread depth of 6/32 are required on the drive axle of all vehicles except four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles.

For more information on winter driving, chain controls, and additional resources, visitCaltrans Winter Driving Tips page. Please be safe out there California.

The rest is here:
Don't Crowd The Plow and More Weather Travel Trips From Caltrans - Sierra Wave

Winter sees an increase in the use of heating in our homes, with many of us burning fuels (like oil, coal and gas), so its important to be aware of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Thats why weve teamed up with Gas Networks Ireland to help you keep your home and family safe.

Here are some of the biggest carbon monoxide risks in your home and how you can protect yourself from this silent killer.

Fireplaces, flues and chimneys

If youre planning on lighting the fire this Winter, make sure to have your chimney swept regularly and keep vents and flues clear.

Gas fires, like all fuel burning appliances, should be serviced regularly. Staining, sooting or discolouration around a gas fire or appliance can be indicators of carbon monoxide.

Likewise a strange smell (you cant smell carbon monoxide, but you can smell other fumes produced by combustion) or condensation on windows or walls when the appliance is operational.

If you spot any of these signs, contact a Registered Gas Installer or qualified technician for your fuel type immediately and get it checked before using it again.

Gas cookers and fuel-burning appliances

If you have a gas cooker or any other fuel-burning appliance make sure to get them serviced and regularly maintained by a qualified service agent.

Gas appliances can be serviced by contacting your gas supplier or a Registered Gas Installer.

Other fuel-burning appliances you may have include: an oil or gas heater, a gas fire or a wood-burning stove.

Gas and oil boilers

Its really important to get boilers serviced regularly once a year at a minimum. If you spot a potential problem in the meantime, be sure to contact a registered gas or oil technician.

Flueless gas water heaters and open-flue-type water heaters are considered out-of-date and unsafe. For example, those in bathrooms. If you think you have an older unsafe water heater, call Gas Ireland on 1850 79 79 79 for a free safety check.

Barbecues, lawnmowers and garage-stored cars

Remember all appliances need ventilation to breathe!

Never run a car, lawnmower or other fuel-powered equipment in a confined or poorly ventilated space, e.g. a closed garage.

Never use a barbecue indoors, in a tent or directly under an awning; they can give off carbon monoxide for several hours after use, even if they appear to have gone out. And never use an appliance you think could be faulty or for any purpose it wasnt designed for.

No carbon monoxide alarm

Another big carbon monoxide risk? Not having at least one audible carbon monoxide alarm! Install one this Winter as per the manufacturers instructions and it could save your life.

Ideally, you should have one in every room you have a fuel burning appliance. Plus one within 5 metres (16 feet) of every bedroom to protect you while youre asleep.

For more information, visit theGas Networks Irelandwebsite.

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What are the biggest carbon monoxide risks in your home? - Irish Mirror

Mod the Sims isn't the only website with tons and tons of custom content and mods available for Simmers everywhere to download and employ in their gameplay, but it is one of the most popular among them. There's a good reason for that, too. Mod the Sims has plenty of custom content and mods ranging from cosmetic mods and custom hair to mods that totally change the way you experienceThe Sims and consequently how your Sims experience their lives.

RELATED: Sims 4: 5 Reasons Arts & Crafts Is The Best Theme Choice (& 5 Why It Should Have Been Happy Haunts)

Whether you're one of those Simmers who has gigabytes upon gigabytes of mods in their game or just getting started in the world of mods, here are the ten best Sims 4 custom content finds on Mod the Sims.

If you're the kind ofSims player who likes building stories with your Sims right down to changing their appearances every so often, this is the kind of gameplay mod you'll love.

Mod the Sims user flerb has made it possible for your Sims to automatically grow beards without you having to go into CAS and adjust your Sim's beard length. This means more time you get to spend actually playing the game rather than fussing over your Sim's appearance in CAS. You even get to pick the color of your Sim's beard for even more realistic gameplay.

Money can be hard to come by inThe Sims 4, or at least it a timely manner. It's no surprise there are plenty of cheats to remedy this problem, andDiscover University introduced the idea of student loans, but what about those Sims who are done with their education and are just looking for their dream home or money to invest in a business?

For those Simmers who don't want to cheat but still want to take their Sim's life in a specific direction, there's scarletqueenkat's SimCity Loans mod.With this mod, your Sim can take out a loan of varying amounts and pay it back over 12, 24, or 36 payments.

This mod is one of those mods that makes gameplay so much easier it's hard to live without it after a while. The UI cheats extension allows players to unlock perks, cheat the aging process, click and drag to fulfill needs, add or subtract household funds, make negative moodlets disappear, and so much more.

RELATED: Ranked: Every Sims 4 Stuff Pack, From The Worst To The Best

Like MCCC, it makes cheating your way through the game so much simpler and user-friendly. You might not even need to type in any cheats with the combination of this mod and MCCC. Make sure you download the right version of the mod if you choose to take a crack at it. The version for Metal Macs and 64-bit systems is free on Patreon.

For those Sims that love outer space, install this dynamic and animated wallpaper designed to imitate the starry sky on a clear night. It comes in four seamless tiles so as not to disturb the flow of the night sky across your Sim's bedroom wall.

Make sure you haveSpa Day installed if you want to use this wallpaper in your next build, as the scripts required for it to run are included in the game pack.If you'd like to see what the wallpaper looks like in action before you download and install it, the user has a YouTube video you can watch.

Though there are plenty of hobbies for your Sims to engage in, especially with additional game content, some Simmers still find the game isn't totally inclusive yet. This is what modders are for!

If you want your Sim to become a master canner, they can with this mod by icemunmun. Not only does this custom content include a fully functional canning station and preserve jars, it provides your sims with a custom canning skill that they can develop by using the canning station to make jams, spreads, and pickles!

This creator has provided another fun hobby for your Sims to engage in if canning isn't really their thingcandle making! This mod not only allows your Sims to create candles in all sorts of shapes and colors, it allows them to talk about candles, research candles, turn candle making into a holiday tradition, and best of all, all of the candles your Sims create at the candle making station give off actual light when your Sim lights them.

RELATED: Sims 4 Discover University: 5 Reasons To Choose Foxbury (And 5 Why You Should Attend Britechester)

These are the kinds of interactive hobbies Simmers love to see in their gameplay.

The next time you have a young adult Sim move out of their parents' house, how nice would it be to have some packing crates available to move some of your Sim's stuff with them? And what if those crates could fit right into your Sim's inventory?

The good news is there is a mod out there with CC packing crates that allow your Sim to do just that. No more juggling the family heirlooms and getting frustrated when that piano doesn't fit in your Sim's inventory and has to go into the household's inventory! Just pack it away in a packing crate and let your Sim be on their way.

WithIsland Living came the Off the Grid lot trait, which allows your Sims to live off the natural resources they're surrounded by instead of relying on pesky things like electricity. This functional solar panel allows your Sims to continue their eco-friendly way of living while still using a little bit of electricity.

RELATED: The Sims 4: 10 Gameplay Features From Previous Games That Are Still Sorely Missed

If youput this solar panel on your lot without the Off the Grid lot trait, it will reduce the amount your Sims have to pay for electricity. The water heater that comes along with these solar panels also helps reduce the amount your Sims are required to pay when the bills come around as well!

Content creators and modders forThe Sims 4are nothing if not creative (and really smart). This is made no clearer than by littledica and their wonderful custom stuff pack designed to make your Sims' kitchens look like they just stepped out of a design magazine. Not only is this pack of custom content marketed like the real thing created by EA itself, it provides plenty of new items for Simmers to use in their next build.

So if you're looking for fresh countertops, cabinets, appliances, floors, walls, chairs, tables, and more, look no further than this custom content stuff pack!

Thisbuildmight not change the way you playThe Sims 4, but it will certainly elevate your Sim's lifestyle.This little collection of buildings is slotted as a nightclub but includes four pubs, discos, a gym, library,nursery for children, guest rooms, living areas, kitchens, and nightclubs galore. There isn't much custom content in this particular build, but for those Simmers who want it, the builder provides links to each one.

Shake things up for a change and install this build in your Sims' world to give them something else to do at night.

NEXT: The Sims 4: 10 Incredible Mansions That Use No Custom Content

NextPokmon: 10 Mechanics Introduced In Gen I That Are Missing Today

Madison Puzey is a freelancer writer and editor based in Georgia, USA. When she's not writing for The Gamer, she spends her time writing, gaming, and watching movies. She graduated from Brigham Young University in 2017 and has loved writing since she was a little girl.

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Mod The Sims: 10 Best Sims 4 Custom Content From The Site - TheGamer

As more cities and states try to cut carbon emissions, some are taking aim at a new target: natural gas inside homes. Buildings, through heating and cooking, use almost a third of the natural gas consumed in the U.S.

In July, Berkeley, Calif., became the first city in the country to ban natural gas in new buildings, starting next year. City officials say new efficient electric appliances have lower carbon footprints than gas-powered furnaces and water heaters.

We need to tackle climate change every way that we can and by doing this, were not asking people to change that much, says Kate Harrison, the Berkeley City Council member who led the initiative.

Cities like San Jose, Sacramento and Los Angeles are developing their own policies to make buildings zero carbon, and a number of cities around the world have to do the same. But opponents say the push to get rid of gas goes against what consumers are asking for, especially in their kitchens.

People love their gas stoves, says Bob Raymer, technical director with the California Building Industry Association. We dont want to force something onto the consumer that makes the consumer feel uncomfortable, or that they just dont like. After all, its their home.

But California has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2045, and about a quarter of the states emissions come from energy used by buildings. To reach its ambitious climate change goals, the state will eventually have to force or entice homeowners to electrify everything.

Swapping for electric

Today, an all-electric home isnt common in California, as Oakland resident Bruce Nilles found out.

Nilles spent his career working on reducing the countrys use of fossil fuels, first at the Sierra Club and then at the Rocky Mountain Institute.

I was thinking a lot about coal, and how do we transition the United States off of coal, and had missed the fact that right in my own home was this big source of fossil fuels, he says.

His two-story Craftsman house had four appliances that ran on natural gas: water heater, furnace, dryer and gas stove.

It never occurred to me that they were a big piece of my carbon footprint, he says.

Nilles decided to switch to electric appliances. Electricity has a lower carbon footprint in California, because the state is investing heavily in renewable energy. In 2018, half of the states electricity came from carbon emissions-free sources, like solar and wind, as well as hydropower and nuclear.

I called three different contractors and all three of them tried to persuade me not to get rid of my gas, Nilles says. Some didnt have experience switching gas appliances.

Eventually, he found one who was game to install a new electric induction range. Nilles says its a far cry from the old-school electric stoves with coils that heat up.

This thing is so fast, you put the water on and literally, 120 seconds later, its boiling, he says.

Nilles also got a new electric dryer, and in the basement, a water heater and heat pump that both heats and cools his home.

The inspector didnt actually sign off on our project, because on a check box, it said there needed to be a gas shut-off valve on our hot water heater, he says. Eventually, the city agreed to ignore the check box.

First of a kind ban on natural gas

In July, the City Council in Berkeley, Calif., voted unanimously to ban natural gas in new buildings, starting next year with homes and small apartment buildings.

The ban will include other kinds of buildings in the years to come, like high-rises and commercial space, as soon as state officials complete energy efficiency analyses of those building types.

Its going to give us a better life, City Council member Harrison says. Were going to have a cleaner environment. Were going to have less health problems. Were going to have less danger in our homes.

About 27% of Berkeleys greenhouse gas emissions come from natural gas, but climate change isnt the only reason for the ban, according to the city. Berkeley sits on an earthquake fault. A major event could cause natural gas lines to break and create explosions.

Cooking on gas stoves can also cause high levels of indoor air pollution, like nitrogen dioxide. We have health effects that have never been considered that come from burning natural gas, Harrison says.

Still, she admits stoves are the major sticking point. While homeowners may not have strong feelings about their water heaters, cooking is another matter.

Appliance showrooms are packed with heavy-duty gas ranges, many made to look like industrial models found in restaurant kitchens. Not offering those stoves could put builders at a competitive disadvantage, according to the building industry.

We dont support an outright ban on a particular product, says Raymer of the California Building Industry Association. What we do support are the use of regulatory and financial incentives to encourage a market to go a particular way.

The vast majority of restaurants today also use gas cooking. Under Berkeleys law, building owners will be able to apply for an exemption to the gas ban.

Its important that restaurants, along with all ratepayers, have a diverse set of energy sources they can turn to and that includes natural gas, says Sharokina Shams of the California Restaurant Association.

Still, Raymer says some builders are already switching to all-electric homes in California, because in new construction, they save $2,000 to $5,000 by not running gas lines.

A growing trend

Cities such as Sacramento have started discussing a potential ban on natural gas in new buildings, while others are looking at using incentives to get people to switch.

We know that we have to get away from fossil natural gas combustion, says Andrew McAllister of the California Energy Commission. Electricity becomes cleaner and cleaner and natural gas is methane, and its just got carbon in it. Theres no way around that.

Californias Energy Commission is currently writing a road map for how the state can cut emissions from buildings 40% by 2030.

Still, to meet its goal of becoming carbon neutral, California will have to tackle natural gas use in existing buildings, not just new ones. That can be costlier. Many older homes dont have large enough electric panels, or plugs that can handle 220 volts.

Electric heat pumps and other electric appliances can be more expensive than gas-powered equivalents, especially because it can be harder to find rebates. Sacramento and San Jose are offering residents up to several thousand dollars to switch from gas to electric.

Its a cultural transition that we have to undergo, says McAllister. Its a big lift, but were in a powerful state with a big economy and a lot of creativity. So I think if anybody can do it, California can.

After all, McAllister says, a lot of the nations energy efficiency rules, including for appliances, were passed by California first.

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Give Up Your Gas Stove To Save The Planet? Banning Gas Is The Next Climate Push - Stock Daily Dish

While most plumbing jobs require a licensed professional, there are ways savvy homeowners can save time and money by safeguarding, upgrading or repairing their own systems.

Theres quite a bit homeowners can do themselves, especially when it comes to maintenance, says Gale Bellows, a journeyman plumber and service manager with South West Plumbing. If you have basic tools and some inexpensive supplies, here are six things you can do to prevent costly plumbing disasters and increase the life of your existing pipes, valves and appliances.

Protect your exterior faucets from freezing and breakage. Install inexpensive padded or foam faucet covers (about $10 each). Properly sealed, these will prevent or delay pipe freezing. While youre at it, drain the garden hoses youve disconnected to protect them as well.

Remove and clean (or replace) sink faucet aerators to improve water flow. The tips of most faucets can easily be unscrewed and the mesh aerator screens rinsed to remove grit. If a screen looks torn or damaged, take the aerator to the hardware store to buy a matching replacement.

Replace a worn toilet seat. This is a cosmetic repair, but many homeowners want to upgrade seats to more attractive or durable models. Soft close seats, which close slowly rather than dropping down with a crash, are popular, Bellows says.

Remove and clean the P trap under your sink. P traps (which are actually U-shaped) are critical parts of your plumbing system. Water is supposed to stay in them, forming an important barrier that prevents gas from your sewer from coming up into your house. Problems occur when a P trap gets clogged with hair or soap and the sink starts to drain slowly. Rather than using harsh chemicals, you can remove and clean the trap in a few minutes. Put a bucket under the sink to catch water and gunk while you work. Then twist off the slip nuts that hold the P trap in place. Once youve cleaned the trap, reattach it and twist the slip nuts. No need to use plumbers tape or worry that it will leak, according to Bellows. When you tighten the nut, it seals automatically, he says.

Check your water pressure. While many of us complain about low water pressure, the real enemy, Bellows says, is pressure higher than 80 psi (pound-force per square inch). Excessive water pressure can damage valves on water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines and other appliances. You risk flooding your house if a stressed hose or valve ruptures. Fortunately checking water pressure is cheap and easy with a psi gauge ($5 to $10 at the hardware store). Attach it to an outside faucet, turn the faucet on all the way, to measure system pressure. (Bellows suggests measuring psi at night, when few people are taking a shower or running washers.) If water pressure exceeds 80 psi, its important to call in a professional plumber address the issue.

Know the location of all the water shut-off valves in your house. That way, if a leak occurs, you can quickly turn off the flow to the sink, toilet, water heater or washer. If you are uncertain about where a leak is coming from, use the main water shut off to control damage.

Do-it-yourself repairs can be quick and inexpensive, but Bellows cautions against tackling more complex plumbing repairs or installations on your own. One problem, he says, is that the system you are repairing, or adding to, may not have been built correctly in the first place. Often, especially in older houses, the plumbing is out of code or lacking in required safety features. A professional plumber can spot these existing problems and avoid adding to them.

When to call in the pros? If you notice dampness on ceilings, walls or floors near pipes, bring in a plumber to analyze the situation. The leak may be minor, but ignoring it can allow mold to grow in walls and flooring, creating a larger problem.

Remodeling a kitchen, laundry, or bath? Youll want to get a plumber involved to make sure your system can support the new fixtures it may need updates. Bellows advises scheduling plumbing work early in your project, right after rough carpentry and before any electrical, flooring or tilework gets underway.

There are certain plumbing problems that require immediate attention from the pros. These include a malfunctioning water heater or the smell of sewer gas in your home. You dont want to risk a flood or an explosion, Bellows says.

South West Plumbing has been serving King, Pierce and Snohomish counties for more than 35 years. All South West Plumbing plumbers are highly trained and arrive prepared with fully stocked trucks. We work evenings and weekends at no extra charge.

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Plumbing 101: When to DIY and when to call the pros - The Seattle Times

Which are the best places to install a tankless water heater?

Manufacturers and users agree on one thing. The location of the tankless water heater affects its efficiency. Ideal locations ensure that water remains hot even during the coldest season. There is a direct correlation between the heaters performance and where it is. For example, installing it closer to the demand source ensures that less water goes to waste.

There are various options when it comes to where you will position the heater. Take time and assess the different places you can place it, as it means a lot to its performance.

The tankless water heater is small in size. Thus it can be put in small spaces such as under-stair storage areas, closets, in pantries or under the sink. Be careful to ensure that your water heater is convenient and safe in case future servicing.

A tankless water heater is for indoor installation only. In case you install it outside, get a suitable enclosure. This is to protect it from splashed water, rain, insects, direct sunlight and debris. Avoid installing it in locations that may subject it to freezing.

Frozen water inside your tankless water heater may cause severe and permanent damage. And most of the time it isnt covered by the warranty. For a frozen water heater system, wait until it has thawed before turning it on and inspect leaks in the system. If you water has frozen inside your water heater contact the manufacturer.

Choosing the best place for your water heater is quite tricky. Luckily, there are several options. Lack of proper planning may lead to irregular water temperatures. Poor flow of water, need for regular maintenance, or worse still, damage to the whole system.

Its better to install the tankless water heater in the same location where the old heater was. Only a few changes are necessary. This way you will cut the installation costs. You will use the hot water line, and water and gas supplies that are already in place. Change the venting to accommodate the new tankless water heater if youre to follow this idea.

Otherwise, consider the existing plumbing configuration. Your desired location should not demand significant alteration to the existing plumbing work. This is because relaying the entire system afresh may lead to unnecessary costs.

The site should be close to the main electrical panel. Keep it close to all the areas that need hot water including bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry area. When its near the points of use, the time taken by the hot water to travel from the heater to the fixture will reduce.

A dedicated gas line is also required. When the furnace and water heater are in the same room, you only need one gas line to supply the duo. But, this can create an issue whenever the 2 are operating. Even worse, the 2 units may not get enough gas if the supply line isnt large enough. In most cases, the water heater always gives way to the furnace thereby depriving you of hot water supply. This can be a huge inconvenience.

To reduce these occurrences, consider following the manufacturers installation manual. You may also involve an experienced plumber if plumbing isnt your thing. It pays in the long run. Always ensure that that the heater is accessible for maintenance.

Youll enjoy greater flexibility during installation if your home is custom built. But slight renovations will also fit the bill if you bought your house.

As mentioned earlier, having the water heater placed where hot water is much needed is vital. For instance, for a home with two stories and a basement, the worst place to install the heater is in the basement. The best place to install the unit is on the second floor. This is assuming that your laundry room is in the basement or first floor.

Ensure that the heater or outlet water pipe doesnt touch the combustible materials. Keep a distance of 24 between the combustibles, the water heater, and the output hot water pipe.

Again, remember to be a law-abiding citizen. Install your tankless water heater according to your State or Citys local codes. If theyre none, at least follow the recent edition of the National Fuel Gas Code.

For safety reasons, the water heater should not be on air conditioning lines or under pipes that can drip. Also, dont put the water heater above an electrical box. This could cause a fire in case of water leakage.

Tankless water heater requires a higher voltage power supply. As such, ensure you have large diameter gas supply lines.

Do not adjust manifold gas pressure as its computer controlled and is preset at the factory.

Ensure that children cant reach the electrical sub-panel, outlet water pipes. This will prevent them from injuries or tampering with temperature controls. The outlet water pipe can get boiling at times, which may pose a danger to children.

There are 2 options when it comes to venting a tankless water heater; direct and power venting.

A Direct vent unit features an intake and exhaust vent since it pulls in the air outside the building. Place the power vent unit in an area with enough air quantity for combustion processes. Unlike the former model, this one requires the exhaust vent only.

The water heaters structural design also has a bigger say on the venting options available for you. Depending on the model, you can vent through the sidewall or from the roof.

Tankless water heater built with condensing technology has lower costs of installation. These heaters have polypropylene or PVC exhaust vents, which translate to greater flexibility.

For your familys safety, opt for a water heater with concentric vent design. A vent with this design has insulated intake and outtake pipes. Thus, the 2 pipes remain cool to the touch. To keep the homes aesthetics, use pipe covers and creative termination points.

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Where To Install Tankless Water Heaters - Tankless.Best