Apr 16, 2014

Tips on How to Care for Your Water Heater



Tips on How to Care for Your Water Heater -To ensure that your hot water heater is functioning efficiently, there are certain things that need to be done periodically. But before that, here are some interesting facts about water heaters.
 

image:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_heating
Fact 1: Hot water heaters are expected to last for about 8 to 12 years.
Fact 2: Following a maintenance schedule can extend a unit’s economic lifespan.
Fact 3: Water heater keeps a reservoir of hot water, so when you turn on the tap, it already is able to provide what you need.
Fact 4: Sediments gets accumulated at the bottom of the tank.
Fact 5: For natural gas water heaters, irrespective of its age and size can have an energy efficiency of 45%-61%. The newer models though can have an energy efficiency of 62%.
Fact 6: Natural gas hot water heater needs to be ventilated.
Fact 7: Electric water heaters have an energy efficiency of up to 93%, but the cost of the energy is more expensive.
Fact 8: Tankless water heater provides hot water at a longer time but there are times that the flow can be at a lower rate. Energy efficiency is 82%.
Fact 9: How water system needs to be serviced every 5 years.

Tips in Caring for Your Hot Water Heater
·         Adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees to avoid getting scalded.
·         Keep a clearance distance of 2 feet around the appliances or according what the manual states.
·         Drain the tank a few times in a year to remove the sediments – sediments that are accumulated will cause the water heater to exert more energy to maintain the desired temperature.
·         Perform an annual temperature pressure relief valve check.
·         Check the anode rod every 3 to 5 years.
·         Insulate units especially the older ones with a fibreglass jacket to help improve its energy efficiency.
·         Adjust the thermostat.
·         Maintain the right pressure in the tank.
·         Install water and gas safety valves in case if there is a problem.
·         Replace or fix any part that gets broken. Any broken piece will hinder the water heater’s performance and energy efficiency and consumption.
·         Check water leakage at the heater’s bottom.

However, when doing maintenance check, you need to make sure you follow safety rules. If you need the help of a professional, do not stop yourself from doing so just to save money. You need to understand that if things go wrong, then it will be more expensive than hiring a professional to work on your hot water heater.

Apr 14, 2014

Asbestos Removal – Perth Homeowners’ List of Important Measures to Take



Asbestos is a mineral that came into wide use between the ‘50s and ‘80s in many construction projects. In particular, asbestos was favoured for possessing several great qualities including rigidity and fire resistance. During that period, the mineral was used in the construction of heating flues, bath panels, floor tiles, garage roofs, sheds, gutters and wall and ceiling linings.

But during the ‘70s, scientists discovered that prolonged exposure to asbestos produced adverse effects including cancer and respiratory ailments. While asbestos can be readily found in a vast array of environments, prolonged exposure to high quantities increased the risk for these diseases. Unfortunately, the adverse effects can only be seen between 20 to 30 years after exposure, when a disease has already wreaked havoc on a person's body.

In response to this, the mineral has been banned for use in construction projects, particularly in residential properties.

If you fear that your home has been built with materials using this mineral, you might be seriously considering asbestos removal. Perth homeowners, however, ought to know that the removal of the mineral is not the first best option in every case. For example, if your home was built during the ‘80s or a few years later, it is highly likely that the building materials used in the construction of your residence do not contain asbestos. However, if your home was constructed before this period, there is a significant chance that there may be asbestos there.
 

Image:en.wikipedia.org
 
Another important thing to note is that when left untouched or undisturbed, asbestos does not pose a serious health risk to the residents of a household. On the contrary, asbestos removal, when done incorrectly, can further increase the risks. If you are remodelling a portion of your home that has asbestos, the contractor can work around this material to ensure that it is not disturbed. Additionally, there are treatments available that can be applied to asbestos that will permanently bind the fibres together.

However, if you do not wish to gamble on the health and wellbeing of your family, then your best choice would be to remove the material containing asbestos from your home. In this case, it is imperative to choose an expert with the knowledge, skill and equipment to perform the job correctly.

A suitable contractor knows how to properly remove materials containing asbestos. Do mind that sawing, drilling or sanding materials with asbestos allow the harmful fibres to escape into the air. Experienced contractors also know how and where to properly dispose of the removed materials, thus preventing exposure and contamination to unknowing victims.

About the author: Kenneth Lawrence is a “Handyman.” He is also a content creator who writes about home renovation, kitchen improvement, interior and exterior designing, DIY projects, landscaping and other related topics that can help improve houses. As of now, he visits www.martelletticontracting.com.au to know more about home services like asbestos removal.

Apr 12, 2014

Christmas Hampers: the Latest Trend



Christmas is, undoubtedly, the most important occasion that every individual and entrepreneur looks forward to. This is the time when people tend to purchase clothes, apparels, gift items etc for their personal use and to share with the others on this wonderful occasion. As a matter of fact, a majority of them are known to wait for this occasion to come so that they can get together with the entire family, friends, neighbours and relatives. It has been noticed that many of them tend to play the whole year on how this Christmas is to be spent and get ready the gifts that would be necessary to show how much they care for the recipients.


Christmas and online gift stores
The Christmas season is considered to be a season that is full of rush for the online stores. The months leading to Christmas is what every online gift shop looks to since it is the time when most of the sales take place and the business enjoys a good amount of profit. However, it is very important for the entrepreneur to make sure that online store is full of varieties of gifts for every age to meet successfully the requirements and tastes in the best possible manner. It has been noticed that Christmas hampers of all sorts are in great demand these days and more and more people have been trying to order for a hamper that fits perfectly for their recipients and have the online stores to deliver this gift on their behalf to make this season cherishing and fabulous. This is why it is quite necessary to select a good and reliable online store that would provide goods and services that are worth the investment. Furthermore, finding cheap Christmas hampers in UK has become imperative and all the individual needs to do is to find a site that has them in plenty.

When to give gifts?
It is always necessary for the individuals to plan the gifts much in advance. This is because a last moment search would only end in disappointment, in case the item goes out of stock and the individual is able to lay hands only on inferior products that would not be worth the sending. Starting early also relieves the person of stress and gives ample time to browse through the different online stores and gift hampers, compare their prices their delivery rules and area covered, etc so that the perfect gift can be selected for the occasion.

Why hampers are popular in Christmas?
It is a fact that hampers are quite simple. They tend to cut out the shopping stress, and also, the commotion that is associated with giving gifts during Christmas. However, hampers have evolved over a period of time. The traditional green, white and red, curling and tinsel ribbons and cane basket hampers have actually given way to something more trendy, luxurious, memorable, and stylish. Therefore, a well though gift is sure to leave a long lasting impression on the receiver. 

Author’s Bio
The author is presently working with Express Gift Service and writes articles on gift hampers and its growing importance, the different varieties available and the numerous ways it can be selected.

Doors and Poles





These facing doors and poles located at the Sunan Ampel Mosque, an old and historical mosque in Surabaya city (East Java, Indonesia).

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