Category Archives: Water-efficient appliances
Dealing with Sediment in Your Water Heater
In most homes, hot water heating is the third largest energy expense, and hot water heaters are expensive appliances. So it makes sense to do everything you can to extend the life of your hot water heater and make it as energy efficient as possible.
One important part of hot water heater maintenance is draining it to prevent sediment buildup. The sediment is calcium carbonate, a mineral that separates from water when it’s heated and settles to the bottom of water heaters where it wreaks havoc.
Sediment can form a thin layer of insulation between the water heater’s gas burner or the electric element and the water. This insulation slows heat transfer, which makes the tank less energy efficient, and overheats the tank bottom, which weakens the tank and can cause it to fail. The sediment could also cover the heating element in electric water heaters, which would cause the element to burn out.
It’s best to have your water heater drained at least once a year, but if you have very hard water, you should consider doing it more often. Call a professional in your area for advice on frequency and assistance with draining.
Cash for Clunker Commodes
Residents of Danvers, Massachusetts, interested in making their homes a little greener this year are in luck. Through its Water Use Mitigation Program (WUMP), the town of Danvers is offering rebates to water account holders who upgrade their current appliances to one of the new, water-saving models. Eligible appliances are toilets, washing machines, faucets, showerheads, and rain sensors. Residents will receive either a $150 or $200 rebate for a new toilet, depending on its size, as well as compensation for the cost of the plumbing permit. Washing machines earn $200, showerheads and faucets each earn $50, and rain sensors earn $100. This is a great opportunity for Danvers residents to help the environment and save a little money in the process.
To receive the rebate, simply fill out an application, which can be picked up at the Danvers Business Division on 2 Burroughs Street, and provide the town with proof of your appliance purchase dated after July 1, 2009, and a copy of your plumbing permit, if applicable. But hurry! The town has a specific fund set aside for these rebates and when the money is gone, the program will end. For more information on the rebate program and appliance eligibility requirements, click here. And be sure to call AAA Plumbing and Heating for help with your installation!
