#PreviewProduct1Braeburn 7500 Universal Wireless Kit 7, 5-2 Day or Non-Programmable 3H / 2C (Includes Thermostat,... Check Price Now 2Wireless WiFi Thermostat,7 Programmable Check Price Now 3Honeywell Home Wi-Fi 7-Day Programmable Thermostat (RTH6580WF), Requires C Wire, Works with Alexa Check Price Now 4Hycency Wireless Programmable Thermostat Plug Outlet, Electric Outlet Thermostat/Plug in Thermostat... Check Price Now 5Hycency Programmable Wireless Plug in Thermostat Outlet, Electric Thermostat Controlled Outlet with... Check Price Now 6Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat for Smart Home, DIY, Works With Alexa, Energy Star Certified,... Check Price Now 7Programmable Wireless Thermostat Plug, Hycency Digital Temperature Controller Automatic Heating &... Check Price Now 8ecobee EB-STATe3L-01 3 Lite Thermostat, Wi-Fi, Works with Amazon Alexa Check Price Now 9NASHONE Wireless Thermostat Plug in Temperature Controlled Outlet with Timer, Heating and Cooling... Check Price Now 10Honeywell Home Home RTH6360D1002 Programmable Thermostat, 5-2 Schedule, 1-Pack, White Check Price Now 1. Nashone Wireless Thermostat Outlet, Thermostat Controller for Home, Thermostat Outlet Plug and Wireless Thermostat Built in Temperature Sensor with Remote Control LCD Display(Black)

Tech specialist. Social media guru. Evil problem solver. Total writer. Web enthusiast. Internet nerd. Passionate gamer. Twitter buff.

The rest is here:
Top 10 Best Wireless Programmable Thermostats 2020 - Best gaming pro

This holiday season is an especially hard one. That goes without saying, right? Olympic Plumbing Technology (OPT), Thurston Countys favorite family-owned plumbing company, is looking to lighten the load this yearor at least provide the universal soothing comfort of hot water by giving away three water heaters.

Since 2007, Olympic Plumbing Technology has been taking big strides in plumbing by employing the most technologically-advanced, least-invasive methods in the plumbing service industry. This season, theyll be taking big strides for our community as they give away three hot water heaters with professional installation to homeowners in need in our community.

The ability to give back is something that is very important to Ron and Kimberly Boeckmann, the husband and wife team who head-up OPT. The company has grown from just Ron and Kimberly in the beginning, to a full staff of 13 with 7 full-time plumbers.

Giving back is really important to us, Kimberly says, thats just how Ron and I operate. Im constantly trying to balance being a mom and running a small business, and I have all of these different things going on. But behind all of that, the heart of what Ron and I are truly focused on is taking care of our customers, our employees and our community.

OPT partnered with their vendor, Ferguson, who generously provided the hot water heaters. But the installation of the units will be performed by Olympic Plumbing Technology and have a $1,600 value each. This grand gesture comes at a time when many folks are out of work and in need of a little comfort at home while staying home.

There are no catches in the fine print. Its just a lovely gesture from one caring business to three area homeowners. Kimberly points out that the installation has to be what she calls like for like. If the existing unit is a gas water heater, a gas unit will be installed, if the unit is electric, an electric one will be installed. No switching of systems or carpentry is included in the giveaway.

To enter, nominees must be homeowners who occupy their home within Thurston County and within Olympic Plumbing Technologys service area. The water heater must be 10-years-old or older, and the giveaway is not extended to recreational vehicles.

To nominate yourself or a neighbor in need, fill out the nomination form on Olympic Plumbing Technologys website. The contest runs from November 30, 2020 to December 18, 2020 at Midnight. Winners will be chosen on December 22, 2020 by a committee at OPT and will be announced on their Instagram and Facebook pages, and also on local radio stations, KGY 95.3 and KAYO 96.9.

Just like many other things that homeowners may struggle to maintain, water heaters should have a yearly maintenance performed. They should be flushed once a year, Kimberly says. This avoids sediment buildup in the bottom of them, which lessens the water quality they output.

Water heaters generally have an 8- to 12-year shelf life, and are usually stickered with an installation date helping homeowners to easily date their units. When your hot water unit is failing, its usually incredibly obvious, but the sneakier fails like a leak that goes unnoticed can wreak havoc on the whole house.

Heated water has been shifting from a luxury to a necessity, and especially in the colder months. A hot bath is a gift, as is a hot sink full of soapy water to wash the dishes. Olympic Plumbing Technology knows this and thats why they want to help. I dont know of any other service company that is doing stuff like this Kimberly shares, and I think thats really what sets us apart.

When asked to share more stories about how her business has made an impact in the community Kimberly pauses as if she doesnt know where to start. Some of our core values are about integrity, teamwork, customer service, and all of the things that go along with that, she says. Not too long ago, Ron went out to an elderly customers home and found her in very poor health. He performed the work for free because it was the right thing to do.

Kimberly shares that OPT has a budget set aside for those encounters. A giving fund where OPT can provide not only exemplary customer service, but can make a real impact in someones life. We have so many stories like this, Kimberly smiles, which ones do you want to know about?

Olympic Plumbing Technology prides themselves on finding less invasive ways to service their customers wide array of plumbing needs by utilizing the latest technologies in the industry, at an affordable price. Youll find their Bigfoot-emblazoned vans all over Thurston County tagged Dont Mess with the Rest, OPT for the Best. Stay connected with them on social media to stay current on their specials, giveaways, and service tips; because plumbing emergencies cant wait.

Nominate a Thurston County homeowner for a new hot water heater and installation here.

Olympic Plumbing Technology514 Pattison St. NE, Olympia360-515-3231

Go here to read the rest:
Olympic Plumbing Technology is Giving Away Three Water Heaters with Professional Installation: Nominate a Neighbor in Need - ThurstonTalk

During the colder months of the year, people start to use more and more hot water.

A hot shower for everyone in the house, drawing a pot of hot water for cooking, running the dishwasher, washing a load of laundry, all are daily tasks that use a lot of hot water and are expected to function properly without interruption.

Whether you notice them or not, your water heater or tankless water heater is the unsung hero of producing the hot water in your home or business. Plumbing By Kirk, Santa Claritas leading plumber for nearly two decades, specializes in servicing, repairing, installation and replacement of water heaters of all kinds.

Maintaining your water heater or tankless water heater is very important to make sure they last as long as possible while remaining efficient. If you have noticed that you are running out of hot water faster than ever, then it is most likely time to call Plumbing By Kirk to have your water heater serviced.

Related The Right Time To Get Your Home Or Business Plumbing Checked Is Now

Kirk and his expert team can easily replace water heaters that utilize a tank with a brand new tankless water heater if you or your business has been thinking about making the switch.

Tankless water heaters are an excellent option that create a constant supply of hot water without the need for a large storage tank. Getting rid of a large storage tank can free up space in the garage, where water heaters with a tank are commonly located, and allows for people to get even more out of their home or business.

Reach out to Kirk and the entire team at Plumbing By Kirk today to schedule your appointment or to get more instructions about how to handle your plumbing problem. Dial (661) 263-6519 or visit their websiteby clicking hereto see the full list of services Plumbing By Kirk offers for your home or business.

KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Claritas only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The rest is here:
How To Know When Your Water Heater Is In Need Of Service - KHTS Radio

Safe Homes for Single Mothers Moose Jaw wants to make sure single parents have a safe, warm place to live over the holiday season.

The organization took nominations this weekso thattwo single parentscould be chosen to receive two water heaters with installation included.

We've done a number of projects. I think we've donenineprojects here in the cityinfive and a half yearsand we haven't done aproject yet this year, with what went on in the spring, obviously withCOVID, said founder Mark Paterson.

The water heaters were sold to Safe Homes for Single Mothers by Home Hardware Moose Jaw at cost.Successful nominees will be asked to supply a couple of documents to proveidentificationand incomeand Paterson is hoping to have the heaters installed over the weekend.

Hesaid theyve had a lot of responses as single parents are struggling to get through the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that hes had to turndownsome applicants because they were as far away as Prince Albert.

As a professional home inspector, Paterson said he doesnt stop at just the installation of thewaterheater.

I'm not just going tolook at the water heater situation. I'm also going to pull the panel cover off, and if there are some things in there that maybe need to be addressed, werealso going to do that.

For those who arent selected for a heater, there is still hope asthe organization is also looking to help put food on the table.

They have partnered up with South Hill Fine Foods to supply 15 food hampers over the holiday season.

Nominations will be taken by sending a message to Safe Homes for Single Mothers through their Facebook page. Paterson said, despite the name, they have helped single fathers in the past, and nominations for single dads will be considered.

Link:
Organization Reaching Out to Help Single Parents - DiscoverMooseJaw.com

MANVILLE, NJ - Valairco Heating and Cooling offers a solution to air purification with the Aerus Hydroxyl Blaster with ActivePure Techology. This is the only air purifier scientifically proven to reduce the SARS-CoV-2 novel coronavirus on surfaces. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19.

ActivePure Technology uses light waves and a catalytic process to produce friendly oxidizers that duplicate nature and safely reduce contaminants on surfaces.

The ActivePure Technology disinfection system is the safest, fastest and most powerful surface and air-purification technology available that minimizes recontamination and cross contamination in real time without the use of chemicals or ozone.

Our newsletter delivers the local news that you can trust.

The benefits include:

Contact Valairco at 908.725.6200 for more information.

About: Valairco offers quality heating & cooling services.Call today to schedule heater installation, AC repair & more with their team! Valairco is prepared to get the job done.Whether you need heater replacement, indoor air quality maintenance, or AC repair, their team of highly-trained and licensed technicians will provide fast, reliable serviceevery time. They even offer free in-person consultations to help you get the most out of your service.

Family owned and operated for over 50 years, Valairco understands the importance of quality customer service. They have been named Angies List Super Service Award Winner and are aBest of Home Advisorwinner and My Central Jersey Best of the Best 2020 Readers' Choice Award.

When you rely on Valairco for yourAC repair, heater installation, or water heater replacement, you can rest assured that youre receiving top-quality workmanship at fair rates. Plus, they stand behind their work with a number of extended warranties for your peace of mind. Schedule your service today!

Read the original here:
Valairco Heating and Cooling Offers Solution to Surface and Air-Purification - TAPinto.net

By Raheem Akingbolu

In a market that is dominated with products of similar attributes, superior brands are known to show clear differentiation with innovative ideas that come with them.

This, perhaps, explains the reason why many corporate organisations launch distinct innovations to set them apart from the crowd. In the water heating sector, one organisation that has demonstrated this trait over the last few years is the Ariston Thermo Group.

Determined to prove that its product offerings can deliver comfort even in the most extreme weather conditions, Ariston Thermo Group conceptualised and executed the Ariston Comfort Challenge (ACC). The delivery of this real-life mission has continued to reverberate in the minds of its target consumers.

The Ariston Comfort Challenge proved to be the best campaign to express the Groups core vision of delivering sustainable comfort for everyone, everywhere in the world, which includes innovation, comfort, sustainability and efficiency.

The Ariston History

While Ariston Thermo Group was founded in Italy in 1930, starting with the production of weighing scales, the company witnessed intense growth and metamorphosed into a big brand 30 years after, producing gas cylinders and electric water heaters.

Having enjoyed acceptance in the market where it operated, the company consolidated its leadership position in the Italian water heater segment by expanding into Western Europes main markets. Years after, it began to make inroads into the heating sector, producing boilers. The Ariston brand, the most international brand of the 90 years old Ariston Thermo Group, is an Italian brand with a strong heritage and history.

The group, a manufacturer and marketer of heating and hot water products, systems and services offers energy-efficient solar, electric and gas water heaters and components such as electric heating elements and thermostats in the thermal comfort market for domestic, commercial and industrial spaces

Ariston Thermo Group has grown to become a global brand establishing a huge presence in both emerging and frontiers markets located in different parts of the world.

Currently, the group has maintained a leadership stronghold in the global thermal comfort market for domestic, commercial and industrial spaces operating in three different sectors with leading brands and an extensive range of solutions and services. In Nigeria, the company has entrenched its name in the mind of its relevant target segment through different product offerings.

Over the years, the Ariston brand appears to have worked along the line of thought that each market has its behaviours, cultural nuances and consumer trends, which calls for specialized variations of this original brand identity. Through some corporate identity elements, such as brand values and logos, which have been maintained across all countries, Ariston local departments have also been given enough power to adapt products and messaging to appeal to their consumers. Analysts have since described this as a fine balancing act between creating a shared brand experience worldwide and being adaptable enough to remain relevant in each specific country.

The positive side of all these is that the Ariston brand has remained a strong brand in the water heating industry and has remained a worldwide expert in water and environmental heating, providing innovative solutions to its consumers.

The products are characterized by comfort, exclusive design, efficiency and quality and features at the same time very competitive price.

For instance, in some countries, including Nigeria, Ariston LYDOS ECO, which was also recently introduced into the market, is believed to be the best solution for the user who wants a product that would guarantee energy-saving and at the same time maximum performance and maximum safety, is believed to be changing the market. WaterPlus technology provides up to 16 per cent more hot water. According to experts, some of its unique selling points are; simple installation, safe and environmentally friendly construction.

New Brand Communication Campaign

Like a scene from an epic thriller, the recently premiered global campaign of the Ariston brand comes with suspense, anxiety and curiosity. Through adventurous elements in the campaign, the promoters successfully enthralled their consumers.

The Ariston Comfort Challenge is though meant to further boost the profile of the Ariston, the leading and the most international brand in the Ariston Thermo Group, by highlighting its global mission of bringing sustainable comfort, even where it seems impossible to find but it will be achieved beyond that, considering the creative ingenuity explored in the campaign.

The Ariston Comfort Challenge focused on ensuring thermal comfort could reach anywhere in the world. Through this mission, Ariston has donated a warm shelter to a group of scientists from the University of Copenhagen involved in climate change studies in the remote and icy Island of Disko, in Greenland (Arctic).

Thanks to this mission, Ariston brand has also had the chance to give evidence to its product quality, which can work even in Extreme Conditions.

Director, Central Africa, Ariston Thermo Group, Mr Gaurav Bisaria explained that a safe and sheltered house, heated and provided with hot water for the maximum comfort even during Polar winters would have not been possible without our commitment to quality.

He noted that the success of the Ariston Comfort Challenge Greenland Mission is another proof of the company core value of superior quality of Ariston products, which could be seen in the efficiency of the output of the product even in the extreme weather condition.

We are really glad about launching this amazing campaign on the 90th anniversary of Ariston Thermo. The Group is a is a global leader in thermal comfort solutions for domestic, commercial and industrial spaces and The Ariston Comfort Challenge Greenland Mission is a campaign that makes us very proud as it testifies to the commitment to product quality in the quest of bringing comfort to everyone, even where it seems hard or impossible to find. Our new breed of water heaters introduced into the Nigerian market will help us embrace a completely new and different way to bring our purpose and mission to you he said.

He averred that the different ranges of Ariston Water Heater are of great quality which has endeared many customers to the brand. He noted that specific features in the products have continued to give the brand the edge in the marketplace. He listed the features to include high PUF insulation, Ultra-strong tank among others.

We are not known for compromising quality for all our products. It is the same quality of Water Heater installed in developed markets that you see available in Nigeria. Apart from that, the Water Heater acquired ten years ago is as good as the new one.

I can say that we have kept strictly to European standards in terms of the components and the maximum requirement for power consumption. Our Water Heaters are designed to withstand heat and rust. With Ariston Water Heater, you can keep water warm for a long period even when it is not in use. This is made possible because only Ariston has high PUF insulation and Ultra Strong tank that enables it to withstand high pressure and keep water hot, he said.

Speaking on safety, Bisaria stressed that all Ariston products have inbuilt protection that reduces chances of any accident or hazard arising from usage. According to him, each product comes with a safety valve which when properly installed protects it and the end-user against high pressure. Also, he stated that the product has a thermostat that protects the Water Heater against power surge which is seen by cutting off heating when it reaches the desired temperature.

To further prevent human or material losses, Bisaria explained that users must take precautionary measures by ensuring they engage the service of skilled personnel for installations.

Speaking on the effort made to bridge the capacity gap in the area of installation, he noted that Ariston had taken huge steps to improve on the number of skilled personnel. He further disclosed that the company had embarked on refresher courses and training to increase the pool of installers needed.

Read the original post:
Positioning through Sustainable Comfort - THISDAY Newspapers

Andy Fillmore| For the Star-Banner

TheCommunityWith A Heart2020-21 campaign kicked off this month, with thevolunteer outreach continuing to helplocal families achieve a better life.

CWAH has raised more than $1.8 million in 34 years of operation, and all funds went directly to local families, according to a campaign announcement from CWAH Chair Monica Bryant.

"This is a tough year for a lot of families, so we're hoping for a successful campaign," Bryant stated.

Last year, the lives of 52 families were improved with more than $69,000 donated by members of thecommunity. One of those helped was Essie Wright, of Ocala.

A Dec.25, 2019,Ocala Star-Banner article detailed how Wright's home in northwest Ocala needed bathroom plumbing, flooring repairs anda properly working hot water heater.

The 86-year-old woman was forced to walk with a cane across the interior of her home to use a second bathroom because of bad flooring in the bathroom nearest her bedroom.

Wright and her daughter Wanda Follins had cared for a family member in the home for 30 years, and house repairs were a low priority, Follins said.

In 2019, CWAH stepped in to help Wright, who also has medical issues.

"(The CWAH help) was a godsend," Follins said in a recent phone interview.

Scott Hackmyer is a CWAH board member and one of the field case workers who screens clients and helps coordinate repairs or other needed assistance.

More: Christmas during COVID-19: USPS launches Operation Santa with new digital letter adoption

Doc's Restoration in Summerfield was set up to do plumbing repairs and renovateflooring in the bathroom, and anew hot water heater was installed by another company.

"You could feel the love," Follins said about the coordinated effort, which she said made her mother's life better.

Hackmyer said a donationby Doc's Restoration made the complete job possible.

"As the cost of renovating the bathroom exceeded the $1,200 maximum limit that CWAH has in place, a local church also helped with the cost and, as a Christmas present to Essie Wright, Doc's Restoration absorbed the total cost of the plumbing work that was needed to complete the bathroom repair," Hackmyer stated.

Follins gives thanks to God and appreciates the upgrades to her mother's home done by other members of the community through CWAH.

Hackmyer said a donor would be sought to upgrade Wrights heat pump system, which has had freeze-up problems.

More:Have you thought about donating miles or reward points? Here are 5 ways to help those in need this holiday season.

CWAH has assisted with outstanding mortgage and utility bills, and repairs have been madeby local tradesmen who donate their time to help their neighbors.

Fundraising, screening and organization of assistance projects is done by volunteers with no overhead costs.

"One hundred percent of all donations received go directly to help individuals and families that live in Marion County. The Marion County Sheriff's Department donates meeting space for us to use, and the member agencies that make upCommunityWith A Heart are all donating their time and services," Hackmyer stated in an email.

"Families are screened to assure the needs are legitimate, and a home visit is made to every family requesting help so we can verify what has been told to us. We are really trying to help those in crisis get from Point A to Point B, where they will be self-sufficient and survive the crisis they are currently experiencing," Hackmyer stated.

"The donations made by the public are what allow us to extend this helping hand to those in need in ourcommunity," Hackmyer stated.

To donate toCommunityWith A Heart, mail checks to CWAH Fund,P.O. Box 1777,Ocala, FL 34478.Donations are tax deductible and go directly to help residents in Marion County.

How to Apply for Assistance:

To seek help fromCommunityWith a Heart, contact one of the following agencies for a referral to the program: Marion County Children's Alliance, Brothers Keeper, Interfaith Emergency Services, Marion County School Social Services, Salvation Army,CommunityLegal Services of Mid-FloridaInc., Ocala Housing Authority, Soul Harvest Ministries, Isaiah Foundation, City of Ocala, Central FloridaCommunityAction Agency, Marion CountyCommunityServices and Habitat for Humanity.

Other ways to help

Marion County Children's Alliance:Funds for emergency shelter in motel/hotel for victims and survivors of domestic violence; gas cards, new, unwrapped toys or gift cards for children ages 12-18. Call(352) 438-5990.

Brothers Keeper:Gas cards, bus passes, unwrapped toys for children ages 1-12.(352) 622-3846.

Salvation Army:Shampoo and conditioner,coats for children ages 2-12,towels, bedding, bus passes and canned food items.(352) 732-8326.

Interfaith Emergency Services:Coats for all ages, Bus passes and non-perishable food items. (352) 629-8868.

See the original post:
Community With a Heart ready to help in Marion County - Ocala

Similarly people will do big things in an attempt to keep love alive. They will plan and hold huge, expensive weddings and elaborate honeymoons. They will go on big trips or at least an expensive dinner for their anniversary. And then in between the big, elaborate, and fancy, they will do very little to keep love alive.

Much like it doesnt make sense to install a water heater and not keep the pilot light lit, it doesnt make sense to do everything people do to get married, including changing names, addresses, adding kids and adding debt, to simply not keep the simple light of passion alive. Especially when that is the easy step.

I will be honest that Im not the best at paying my gas bill. Although Ive never had it shut off from lack of payment, it has been late a few times as I get busy doing other things and forget to pay my bill. Luckily, theres a due date or I may not ever pay it at all.

Similar to me needing to take the time to pay my bill to keep the flame on, we all must take the time to do the small things to keep the flame of love alive. Each day before work I make the bed and hang the bath mat over the shower door. These very small acts of love help keep the flame lit in our relationship.

Each day my wife asks me how my daily run went. While her day would certainly go on without such information, her simply asking helps me know she cares and helps keep that little flame lit.

The great thing about keeping a little flame lit is it can be used to produce large amounts of heat. As one wisely said, You cant fan the flames of romance if you havent kept the pilot light lit.

Here is the original post:
Keepin Love Alive: Light it Up - Scottsbluff Star Herald

In the early 1950s, two countries led the world in the development of solar hot water heater systems (SHWS): Israel and Australia.

Based on technology pioneered in California and Florida in the 20s both countries were developing integrated tank models: water is heated pipes in 2-3 sqm of dark copper plates behind glass (the absorber), that then flows to and from a tank mounted horizontally above the absorber.

As water in the absorber is heated by the sun it rises up the sloping panel into the tank, at the same time drawing down cold water into the bottom of the panel to be heated; a closed loop or thermosiphon. Simple and self-regulating, easy to manufacture, at first it appears a very elegant solution, and given the plentiful sunshine in both countries it seemed a no-brainer that this technology would be widely developed and implemented.

Fast forward 70 years: in Israel there is hardly a building that doesnt have some form of SHWS; in Australia less than 5 percent of houses have one. The big question is: if both countries started out with the same enthusiasm, technology and access to sun, why did Australia fail?

The answer is usually believed to be twofold: cheap energy and no incentives. Energy in Australia was cheap for ages, and a SHWS expensive (relative to an electric or gas storage heater). Payback periods of 6 to 8 years were considered too long; a really stupid argument, since no-one asks the payback period of a stone benchtop over laminate or a big window over a small one. Nevermind that a SHWS will continue to save money for decades, which the bench and window wont.

Another reason was a lack of government regulations or incentives to install a SHWS (as had been in Israel since the 70s). The few rebates eventually introduced were state or council-based, periodic and without mandatory installation requirements. No national co-ordination, confused information and poorly promoted (need we add that over 70 years the conservative LNP has been in power for twice the time of the ALP).

But the real failure, rarely acknowledged, was design: an integrated tank style SHWS is ugly, ungainly and difficult to install. The elegant idea of the original design was more than offset by the eventual clunkiness in appearance and the clumsiness of installation: great theory, terrible practice.No manufacturer made an effort to visually integrate a SHWS onto Australian roofs, rather the tanks were finished in bright aluminium or polished stainless steel, not coloured to match the roof. And adding insult to injury the manufacturers splashed garish signs across the entire tank; no other household product had this aggressive, not to say offensive, branding.

Add to this the impracticality of installation: north-facing roofs required just structural reinforcement, but any other direction needed extra structure AND a separate frame, uglier than the SHWS itself. The increasingly popular two storey houses also needed the SHWS craned in.In any event the plumber had to install multiple fixings to fix the panels and tank in place, and several penetrations for the hot and cold-water pipes and the booster connections. All this on our preferred terracotta or concrete tiles, getting more brittle with age, not to mention being on those fragile tiles for maintenance. Two generations of plumbers, the most expensive sub-contractor on site, became inured to the attractions of the SHWS.

Some Councils -like the then Leichhardt in Sydney - had a policy mandating a SHWS but prohibited them being visible from the street. This highlighted the contradiction facing homeowners: they wanted to be eco-conscious, but so difficult were the issues of aesthetics, efficiencies, approvals, frames and overshadowing they preferred not to install a system.But wait, theres more: in cold or frost-prone conditions the water can freeze and burst the absorber. The solutions, using a separate circuit of liquid with an antifreeze agent, or pumping warm water through on cold nights, increased the initial price and created other problems of failure. Hailstorms, common in coastal Australian cities (more than the Middle East) can wreck the panels laminated or tempered glass.

One of the most vexing problems was the booster: using electricity or gas in cloudy or rainy conditions. The booster wouldnt know when the sun was about to come out, or when the users were about to use the water, so the system defaulted to use energy to heat the water overnight in case there was early morning demand for hot water. Early morning sunshine (or owners showering late) meant the solar input would be wasted in a pre-heated tank. A later solution was to use instantaneous gas to heat only the water that was not hot enough.

Early issues were eventually resolved, but the design never suited Australian houses and conditions, and the public resisted installing them, so the potential for mass production to reduce prices was never achieved. Even more amazing, the manufacturers persisted with this design for over 40 years, spending more time seeking government rebates than looking at the design failures.Fortunately, two changes in technology improved the situation. About 20 years ago a better absorber, using evacuated tubes, that worked on a wider range of roof angles and orientations became common. The panels were still vulnerable to hail, but more efficient to eliminate the need for a bulky frame. Equally important, the tank was now separate from the panels, located on the ground and connected by a pump, where it was more easily installed and maintained, and where instantaneous gas boost could be connected.

More recently there has been an even more radical change. Hot water can now be produced by a heat pump motor. Like an AC set to heat, they are super-efficient: every kWh of energy input pumps out 4 kWh of heat (a coefficient of performance, or COP, of 4). Now if we add a PV panel system, then the energy for the heat pump, and thus the hot water, comes for free.

Technically this is a solar water heater but more efficient than the traditional types, particularly if the heat pump is set to run when the sun is out and the PVs are working, and the back-up has a COP of 4 when its not. The installation is easier: the tank and pump are on the ground near the kitchen / bathrooms, and the PVs are more easily fixed and hail resistant than the older hydronic glass panels.

Despite 70 years of innovation water heating still produces as much greenhouse gas in Australian houses as the AC we have been discussing in recent weeks. Ten years ago, when I first wrote some of this critique in Architectural Review Australia, I called for more SHWS, saying:

Australia needs a coherent program to promote solar water heating for 95% of its dwellings, particularly in widespread suburbia that has access to sunlight on almost every roof. Ten years from now, travellers arriving by plane should remark on three things: the red terracotta roofs on the houses, the blue swimming pools and the black solar water heaters that are offsetting the energy demands of the former two.

The sentiment hasnt changed, just the technology to deliver it has: the black that I so ardently wanted is now PV panels on 2.2 million homes; it needs to be linked to heat pump hot water systems, storing energy in hot water, and then the last old-style SHWS can be taken down and consigned to the Powerhouse Museum.

Tone Wheeler is principal architect at Environa Studio, Adjunct Professor at UNSW and is President of the Australian Architecture Association. The views expressed here are solely those of the author and are not held or endorsed by A+D, the AAA or UNSW. Tone does not read Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Linked In. Sanity is preserved by reading and replying only to comments addressed to [emailprotected].

Original post:
Tone on Tuesday: On Solar Water Heating - Architecture and Design

A recent survey by LightStream found that despite the coronavirus pandemic, 73% of homeowners are planning to renovate this year. And these homeowners are planning to spend big money, too the survey found homeowners plan to spend an average of $11,851 on these renovations. These numbers might sound shocking in light of the financial hardships many Americans are facing due to the pandemic, but it seems the health crisis actually mightbe the reason so many are so motivated to renovate.

As a result of COVID-19 shutdowns that closed offices, businesses, schools and more, self-isolation has forced Americans to take a much closer look at their homes, Todd Nelson, senior vice president of strategic partnerships at LightStream, said in a news release. Many have clearly decided that renovation remains the right move.

If youre one of the many homeowners whos eager to update your home this fall, these are the best renovation projects to tackle.

Last updated: Sept. 3, 2020

Fall is the perfect time to give the exterior of your home a fresh coat of paint, saidJames Watson, marketing director at Omaha Homes For Cash, which specializes in house flips and renovations.

Summer months are too hot and paint tends to get runny with humidity, he said. Depending on where you live, winter weather is not conducive to painting your house. Fall temperatures and the lower humidity tend to make it the perfect time to spruce up the outside of your house.

The cost of the project will depend on the size of your home and whether you tackle it yourself.

If you are a DIY person, you can get the job done on an average-sized house for around $1,000, and the curb appeal and wow factor alone is well worth the investment, Watson said.

Now is the best time to prep your lawn for 2021, saidBryan Clayton,CEO and co-founder of GreenPal, which helps homeowners to find a lawn service provider.

Aerate and overseed turf to make sure youll have a great looking lawn next year, he said. Fall is the absolute best time of year to do this as the temperatures are cool enough for the seed to germinate and get established for the following year.

According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to aerate a lawn is $130 and the average cost to reseed a lawn is$964.

Clear those gutters on the roof to avoid all kinds of problems, like wood-rotting along the roofline, Clayton said. Youll be glad you did.

Save More:Blackouts Spread Across the West These Appliances Tax the Grid the Most

Your gutters should be cleaned one to three times annually, according to HomeAdvisor. The average cost to hire a professional to clean your gutters is $157.

If you live in an area that experiences freezing temperatures during the winter, now is the time to winterize yourirrigation system and pool if you have one, Clayton said.

The average cost to winterize a sprinkler system is $81, according to HomeAdvisor. If you have a pool, expect to pay between $150 and $300 for winterization, the company said.Paying for these services now could save you money in the long run.

Failing to get this done before your first frost could cost you thousands, Clayton said.

One of the best ways to prepare your home for the winter is to check out your roof and make sure there isnt any damage to be fixed or debris that needs to be removed, saidJesse Silkoff, founder of MyRoofingPal.

If there is work to be done, fall is a good time to take care of it.

If your roof needs repair, the cost of this project will depend on the scope of the work. The average roof repair cost ranges from$353 to $1,435, with a national average of $887, HomeAdvisor reports. Small roof repairs tend to cost between$150 and $400.

When it comes to preparing your home for the winter, you want it to be draft-proof, said Andy Kolodgie, co-owner of The House Guys. It is important to check the doors, windows and chimneys for air leakage. Depending on where you discover an air leak, you should consider adding a door snake if a door has a gap, caulking windows if your windows are not sealed properly or using spray foam if there is a non-visible leak such as a dryer exhaust vent. Blocking the breeze will prevent warm air from leaking outside.

Story continues

Kolodgie also said to double-check any openings in your attic.

Most people insulate the whole attic but forgo adding insulation on top of the opening to the attic, he said. Having that 9-square-foot area insulated is a worthy task to add to your winter preparation list.

The cost of these projects ranges from $20 to $200.

These draft-proofing methods wont add value to your home, but you will save a considerable amount in energy savings during the winter months,Kolodgie said.

Be Prepared:How Much It Really Costs To Protect Your Home Against Natural Disasters

Sometimes caulk just wont cut it. If your doors or windows have gotten warped, now might be a good time to replace them.

Over time, wood can swell and not fit into the window or door frame properly, said Jen Stark, founder of the gardening and home improvement blog Happy DIY Home. When this happens, drafts come into the house and your energy bill shoots up as you try to heat the house.

Replacing your windows costs around $175 to $700 per window, and doors cost around $600 for the national average, Stark said.

These improvements can pay off when it comes to selling your home, she said.

Putting in new windows and doors to seal out drafts can boost your homes value by $8,000 to $10,000, and adding new exterior doors can boost your homes value by giving your home more curb appeal, Stark said.

It can be quite costly to install solar panel arrays to power your whole home. A cheaper alternative is to install a solar-powered water heater.

The solar panels used for a heater are smaller, simpler to install and easier to remove during roof maintenance, Kolodgie said. This is essential to do before winter, as you dont want snow on your roof for installation.

A solar-powered water heater including installation costs around $4,000, Kolodgie said. This will add minimal value to your home roughly $1,000 but there is a federal tax credit for solar panels and you will save money on heating.

Replacing your HVAC filter is a small project, but a worthy one,Kolodgie said.

These are inexpensive around $10, he said. Any amount of debris trapped in the filter will cause a decrease in airflow, creating an energy deficiency.

Although its more costly than simply replacing your filter, if your HVAC system hasnt been cleaned in the past 15 years, consider getting it serviced this fall.

There is a lot of dust and debris which will slow down the flow of the air and cause heat to escape in places where it is not efficient for your home, Kolodgie said. Further, doing this will also help if you are hypoallergenic.

Servicing your HVAC will cost about $100 and could save you from an expensive repair in the winter,Kolodgie said.

Tips:25 Tricks To Sell Your House for a Bigger Profit

The fall is also a great time to switch over your basic thermostats to smart thermostats, Kolodgie said. You can control your heat remotely and conserve more energy while youre away from home.

A smart thermostat such as the Google Nest or ecobee will cost you $200 and add the full value back into your home if you plan to sell before your version becomes outdated,Kolodgie said.

This is the ideal time to convert your garage into a functional living space that works for you, said David Cusick, chief strategy officer at House Method. With remote work more popular than ever and commuting becoming a thing of the past, homeowners are also looking to add more space as they live through lockdowns and quarantines. The garage is a great place to start.

Cusick said the cost will depend on the scope of the project. If you want to convert your garage into a full guest house with a kitchenette and bathroom, the project could cost up to $30,000. If it makes more sense for your needs to convert your garage into an office space, expect to spend around $5,000.

This kind of project can be costly and may require regulatory checks from your local building authority, he said. However, adding this extra space could increase your homes value by 10-15%. Moreover, you can rent out the space or put it on Airbnb to start making money immediately after the projects completion.

Find Out:What Homes Will Be Worth in Your State by the End of 2020

The fall and winter are filled with great food and drinks in the kitchen, so why not spend some time updating your cabinets and countertops? saidChris Gold, CEO and owner of Chris Buys Homes in St. Louis.

Not only will this project make your home more inviting for holiday guests, but it can increase the resale value of your home when its time to sell.

As a realtor, I know how much attention is put on the kitchen cabinets when showing a house, Gold said. If they are outdated or ugly, people instantly start talking about how much money and time it will take to replace them. If they are modern and new, people get excited and rave about how much they love them.

Gold recommends replacing cabinets and countertops, rather than just painting them, even though this is a bigger undertaking.

Sometimes [paint] can help, but most times it honestly makes them look worse, he said.

Gold said kitchen cabinets typically cost between $200 and $600 per linear foot, and the entire project is likely to cost between $4,000 and $6,000.

An unfinished or underused basement can be transformed into an entertainment space for your family and now is the time to take on this project, said Romana King, real estate expert and director of content for Zolo,Canadas largest independent brokerage.

As the days get shorter and the weather gets wetter and colder, we are all going to end up staying inside for longer and longer periods, she said. To help, homeowners should consider creating a dedicated entertainment zone such as a family room, den or multi-use playroom.

King said a basement is often the ideal area to create this space.

King acknowledged that this could be a major and expensive undertaking she estimated it will cost $60,000 to $70,000 but said the investment could be well worth it.

Homeowners will have the benefit of a communal gathering space where the family can either relax or let off steam, and between 70% to 75% of the costs will be recouped with the added value to the home, she said.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 13 Best Home Improvement Projects To Tackle This Fall

See the article here:
13 Best Home Improvement Projects To Tackle This Fall - Yahoo Finance