Winter storms and cold temperatures can be dangerous. Stay safe and healthy by planning ahead. Prepare your home and vehicles. Prepare for power outages and outdoor activity. Check on older adults.

Although winter comes as no surprise, many of us may not be ready for its arrival. If you are prepared for the hazards of winter, you are more likely to stay safe and healthy when temperatures start to fall.

Staying inside is no guarantee of safety.Take these steps(Pdf) to keep your home safe and warm during the winter months.

Get your vehicle ready for cold weather use before winter arrives.

Get yourvehicle readyfor cold weather use before winter arrives.

Be prepared for weather-related emergencies, includingpower outages.

Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: layers of light, warm clothing; windproof coat, mittens; hats; scarves; and waterproof boots.

Outdoor activitiescan expose you to several safety hazards, but you can take these steps to prepare for them:

When planning travel, be aware of current and forecast weather conditions.

Be ready to check on family and neighbors who are especially at risk from cold weather hazards: young children, older adults, and the chronically ill.

If you have pets, bring them inside. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate, warm shelter and unfrozen water to drink.

No one can stop the onset of winter. However, if you follow these suggestions, you will be ready for it when it comes.

Be sure to visit CDCsWinter Weatherwebpagefor more winter weather safety tips.

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Stay Safe and Healthy in Winter - HamletHub

Breathtaking views abound in this private, custom built retreat. Sitting on 37.01 +/- acres of land adjoining the 6,400 acre Hidden Valley Wildlife Reserve, this is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to own one of the most beautiful properties in the Appalachians. Located just 20 miles from historic Abingdon, enjoy the multiple trails from the property that provide access to Hidden Valley Lake & The Channels. The cypress log cabin, featuring 4,215 sq ft of interior living space and 2,184 sq ft of exterior living space, is perfectly positioned on the property to take advantage of the 13+ miles of mountain views. Inside you will find many custom features including the imported Swedish cypress doors, stairs, and trimwork. The main level of the home is filled with natural light from the 26' wall of windows in the great room opposite the towering stone fireplace. The kitchen is filled with custom maple cabinetry and opens to the dining area, laundry/mudroom, and half bath. The master bedroom has french doors out onto the deck and hot tub and a full bath with jetted tub, walk-in shower, and walk-in closet. A loft bedroom overlooks the great room and two additional bedrooms complete the opposite side of the home with full bathroom. Downstairs, the immense space offers great flexibility including a den/family room, fifth bedroom with attached full bathroom, large private office, hunting closet, half bath, ample storage, and 1 car/ATV garage. An outdoor wood furnace with oil backup offers alternative and efficient heating to the HVAC, water heater, hot tub systems. The home is supplied by a natural spring and 1,000 gallon capture tank with UV-sterilization. Outside you will find a calming pond, wrap around decking, covered back porch, and ample parking. A paved driveway brings you to the property with a 2 bay garage located at the entry and a barn located to the side of the home. This property is a must see to truly appreciate all that it has to offer.

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Expensive homes on the market in Bristol | Local News | heraldcourier.com - Bristol Herald Courier

Hindware 3 L Instant Water GeyserVertical3 L6.5 bar4.1: Warranty: Overall- 2 years, 5 years on tank and 2 years on the heating elementHindware 25 L Storage Water Geyser25 LVertical 6.5 bar4.2, Warranty: Overall- 2 years, 5 years on tank and 2 years on heating elementBAJAJ 15 L Storage Water Geyser (Popular Plus)Vertical8 bar15 L4.2, Warranty: Tank-5 years, Heating Element-2 years, Product-1 yearV-Guard 15 L Storage Water Geyser Vertical8 bar15 L4.2, Warranty: Overall- 2 years, 5 years on tank and 3 years on heating elementAo Smith 25 L Storage Water GeyserVertical8 bar25 L4.3, Warranty: Overall- 2 years, 7 years on tank and 3 years extended warranty on heating element.CROMPTON 25 L Storage Water GeyserVertical8 bar25 L4.3, Warranty: Overall- 2 years, 7 years on tank and 2 years on heating elementHAVELLS 10 L Storage Water Geyser (Instanio)Vertical0.8 bar10 L4.3, Warranty: Inner container-7 years, Heating Element-4 years, Product- 2 yearsBAJAJ 25 L Storage Water Geyser (Popular Plus)Vertical8 bar25 L4.3, Warranty: Tank-5 years, Heating Element-2 years, Product-1 yearHAVELLS 25 L Storage Water Geyser (Instanio Prime)Vertical8 bar25 L4.2, Warranty: Inner container-7 years, Heating Element-4 years, Product- 2 yearsHAVELLS 25 L Storage Water Geyser (Instanio Prime)Vertical8 bar25 L4.2, Warranty: Inner container-7 years, Heating Element-4 years, Product- 2 years

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Here are the best water heaters/geyser for home you can get this winter season - Business Insider India

Shipping containers have a lot of uses outside of getting goods around the world on the backs of ships, trucks and trailers. But I have to admit, I havent thought about the potential of using one as a custom camper. Now for just $4,000, you can have a 10-foot container turned into a discount travel trailer, if thats your jam.

I love the concept of using something for a purpose other than it was originally constructed for. I write a lot about old school buses, box trucks and transit buses now living new lives as homes on wheels. A similar thing happens with shipping containers. Some people repurpose shipping containers into stylish modern homes while other build storage complexes out of them.

But I hadnt considered posting up at the local KOA with a tiny shipping container bolted to a trailer.

The seller of this 2019 Custom Camper on RVT says that this travel trailer would be perfect for weekend camping or use as a home base. It consists of a 10-foot shipping container riding on a twin axle trailer. These are normally 10 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet, 6 inches tall. The addition of the trailer frame makes this one a total of 15 feet long and 10 feet tall. Its dimensions are similar to that of a fiberglass camper, but thats where the similarities end.

Inside, it looks like the builder took whatever they had laying around their basement and shoved it in.

Theres a cabinet, a king-size bed and one of those propane heaters that youd usually install in a garage. Amazingly, it has some basic facilities, too. Theres a cassette toilet, sink, shower and water heater. Onboard is also 14 gallons of fresh water storage and 27 gallons of grey water.

Sadly missing is any form of air-conditioning.

The trailer its mounted to has brakes and a tire pressure monitoring system. Its said to track straight, though I cant imagine pulling a steel brick is good for fuel economy. It also weighs in at around 3,250 pounds; three times as heavy as a comparatively-sized fiberglass camper.

They say that the camper turns heads and I bet it does. Imagine waking up and seeing this next to your campsite.

I like the idea; shipping containers are a blank slate to do whatever you want. But the end result of this one leaves a lot to be desired. It would look so cool painted or wrapped to look like a Borg cube from Star Trek. But really, youd likely be better off just shoving a bed into the back of a van.

If youre undeterred, the seller wants $4,000 for it after reducing the price down from $7,500. A shipping container can be had for about half of this price on Craigslist or Facebook, so youre basically just paying for the materials used to build the thing.

View original post here:
A Shipping Container Might Be The Most Bizarre Thing To Camp In - Jalopnik

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) monitors forecasts and maintains open lines of communication with the National Weather Service.

Mayor Michelle Wu today joined City officials at the Public Works yard on Frontage Road to discuss winter preparations currently underway in the City of Boston, and resources available to residents, including older adults and individuals experiencing homelessness.

I am so grateful to the team from many departments and several different cabinets that come together to ensure that our streets will be safe and that our residents will be warm, supported and connected to everything that they need, saidMayor Michelle Wu. As we continue to manage amidst a global pandemic, winter will be the next phase of how were supporting all of our residents.

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) monitors forecasts and maintains open lines of communication with the National Weather Service. OEM also works across City departments and with external partners to ensure coordinated response plans are in place. Residents can sign up to receiveAlertBostonnotifications by phone, text, or email in the event a snow emergency/parking ban is declared.

The Public Works Department (PWD) currently has 40,000 tons of salt on-hand to treat City streets. Along with 164 pieces of in-house snow clearing equipment, the PWD has the capability to place over 800 additional pieces on the roads during larger storms. As part of their neighborhood plowing operations during winter storms and to ensure the safety of riders following events, PWD allocates pieces of equipment to clear snow from Boston's dedicated bike lanes.

Rules on clearing snow:

Parking during a declared snow emergency:

Trash and recycling:

Caring for vulnerable populations:

Safety tips:

Dress for the weather:

Watch for signs of frostbite:

Watch for signs of hypothermia:

Heating guidelines for property owners and tenants:

Heating safety:

Tips to keep water flowing and pipes unfrozen during extreme cold:

Emergency home repair resources:

Tips to increase home energy efficiency:

Tips for what to do before a power outage:

Tips for what to do during a Power Outage:

Tips for Driving in a winter storm:

For more information, please visit theWinter in Boston guideand follow@CityofBostonon Twitter.

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Mayor Wu shares Boston's winter weather preparations - boston.gov

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United States of AmericaUS Virgin IslandsUnited States Minor Outlying IslandsCanadaMexico, United Mexican StatesBahamas, Commonwealth of theCuba, Republic ofDominican RepublicHaiti, Republic ofJamaicaAfghanistanAlbania, People's Socialist Republic ofAlgeria, People's Democratic Republic ofAmerican SamoaAndorra, Principality ofAngola, Republic ofAnguillaAntarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S)Antigua and BarbudaArgentina, Argentine RepublicArmeniaArubaAustralia, Commonwealth ofAustria, Republic ofAzerbaijan, Republic ofBahrain, Kingdom ofBangladesh, People's Republic ofBarbadosBelarusBelgium, Kingdom ofBelizeBenin, People's Republic ofBermudaBhutan, Kingdom ofBolivia, Republic ofBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswana, Republic ofBouvet Island (Bouvetoya)Brazil, Federative Republic ofBritish Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago)British Virgin IslandsBrunei DarussalamBulgaria, People's Republic ofBurkina FasoBurundi, Republic ofCambodia, Kingdom ofCameroon, United Republic ofCape Verde, Republic ofCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChad, Republic ofChile, Republic ofChina, People's Republic ofChristmas IslandCocos (Keeling) IslandsColombia, Republic ofComoros, Union of theCongo, Democratic Republic ofCongo, People's Republic ofCook IslandsCosta Rica, Republic ofCote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of theCyprus, Republic ofCzech RepublicDenmark, Kingdom ofDjibouti, Republic ofDominica, Commonwealth ofEcuador, Republic ofEgypt, Arab Republic ofEl Salvador, Republic ofEquatorial Guinea, Republic ofEritreaEstoniaEthiopiaFaeroe IslandsFalkland Islands (Malvinas)Fiji, Republic of the Fiji IslandsFinland, Republic ofFrance, French RepublicFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabon, Gabonese RepublicGambia, Republic of theGeorgiaGermanyGhana, Republic ofGibraltarGreece, Hellenic RepublicGreenlandGrenadaGuadaloupeGuamGuatemala, Republic ofGuinea, RevolutionaryPeople's Rep'c ofGuinea-Bissau, Republic ofGuyana, Republic ofHeard and McDonald IslandsHoly See (Vatican City State)Honduras, Republic ofHong Kong, Special Administrative Region of ChinaHrvatska (Croatia)Hungary, Hungarian People's RepublicIceland, Republic ofIndia, Republic ofIndonesia, Republic ofIran, Islamic Republic ofIraq, Republic ofIrelandIsrael, State ofItaly, Italian RepublicJapanJordan, Hashemite Kingdom ofKazakhstan, Republic ofKenya, Republic ofKiribati, Republic ofKorea, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea, Republic ofKuwait, State ofKyrgyz RepublicLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanon, Lebanese RepublicLesotho, Kingdom ofLiberia, Republic ofLibyan Arab JamahiriyaLiechtenstein, Principality ofLithuaniaLuxembourg, Grand Duchy ofMacao, Special Administrative Region of ChinaMacedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic ofMadagascar, Republic ofMalawi, Republic ofMalaysiaMaldives, Republic ofMali, Republic ofMalta, Republic ofMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritania, Islamic Republic ofMauritiusMayotteMicronesia, Federated States ofMoldova, Republic ofMonaco, Principality ofMongolia, Mongolian People's RepublicMontserratMorocco, Kingdom ofMozambique, People's Republic ofMyanmarNamibiaNauru, Republic ofNepal, Kingdom ofNetherlands AntillesNetherlands, Kingdom of theNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaragua, Republic ofNiger, Republic of theNigeria, Federal Republic ofNiue, Republic ofNorfolk IslandNorthern Mariana IslandsNorway, Kingdom ofOman, Sultanate ofPakistan, Islamic Republic ofPalauPalestinian Territory, OccupiedPanama, Republic ofPapua New GuineaParaguay, Republic ofPeru, Republic ofPhilippines, Republic of thePitcairn IslandPoland, Polish People's RepublicPortugal, Portuguese RepublicPuerto RicoQatar, State ofReunionRomania, Socialist Republic ofRussian FederationRwanda, Rwandese RepublicSamoa, Independent State ofSan Marino, Republic ofSao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic ofSaudi Arabia, Kingdom ofSenegal, Republic ofSerbia and MontenegroSeychelles, Republic ofSierra Leone, Republic ofSingapore, Republic ofSlovakia (Slovak Republic)SloveniaSolomon IslandsSomalia, Somali RepublicSouth Africa, Republic ofSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSpain, Spanish StateSri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic ofSt. HelenaSt. Kitts and NevisSt. LuciaSt. Pierre and MiquelonSt. Vincent and the GrenadinesSudan, Democratic Republic of theSuriname, Republic ofSvalbard & Jan Mayen IslandsSwaziland, Kingdom ofSweden, Kingdom ofSwitzerland, Swiss ConfederationSyrian Arab RepublicTaiwan, Province of ChinaTajikistanTanzania, United Republic ofThailand, Kingdom ofTimor-Leste, Democratic Republic ofTogo, Togolese RepublicTokelau (Tokelau Islands)Tonga, Kingdom ofTrinidad and Tobago, Republic ofTunisia, Republic ofTurkey, Republic ofTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluUganda, Republic ofUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited Kingdom of Great Britain & N. IrelandUruguay, Eastern Republic ofUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuela, Bolivarian Republic ofViet Nam, Socialist Republic ofWallis and Futuna IslandsWestern SaharaYemenZambia, Republic ofZimbabwe

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Tips to lower your home's heating bill this winter - Sidney Herald Leader

Choosing a new water heater can be challenging, especially when you have several criteria to fulfill. You need to take into consideration the fuel type or energy source you intend to use and the annual operational costs you would incur as a result of the consumption. Secondly, the size of your household and the space constraints will play a major role in your decision. Being on your own or living with a partner in an apartment would most certainly mean that your day-to-day water requirements would be much lesser than a family of 5 people living in a house, for instance.

Also, space comes at a premium when you are residing in an urban setting, so its an important factor when choosing a water heater. It is also essential to know how energy-efficient or cost-efficient the water heater is before purchasing it. Installing the right water heater according to your needs is the only way to spend winters without any disconcertment. So lets break it down and help you find the perfect water heater based on your preferences and needs.

Conventional water heaters have for long been a prevalent water heating option worldwide. They are designed to feature a decent-sized insulation tank that is used to store warm water. These heaters have a low initial cost when compared with all their competitors unless youre going for the latest model.

Conventional water heaters also work efficiently in different climates, unlike the heat pump, solar, and tankless water heaters, which require certain conditions as a prerequisite to perform optimally. One of the drawbacks that conventional water heaters have is that they cause increased energy waste in order to keep the tank of water warm. Whereas tankless heaters heat up water only when it is needed. These heaters are made to store a large quantity of warm water, so one cannot get around their size.

The most obvious problem with this appliance is that if you miss any regular maintenance checks, it could cause you to end up in a situation where you would have to deal with corrosion and rust, which could lead to dramatically expensive damages to your house. So proper maintenance of this type of heater is critical for long-term usability.

Tankless water heaters heat water without having to store it and provide warm water almost instantaneously. A couple of considerations when deciding on what tankless heater to buy is the size that you want. They are usually compact, however, which means you wont have to worry about having a bulky storage space. Also, reduced energy requirement keeps the water warm results in lesser energy consumption, which means you can fully enjoy this power-saving appliance.

A couple of drawbacks that you may deal with are that it has quite a small capacity of hot water, which entails that it wont be a good option if you have a large family with a lot of consumption. Secondly, this heater has a significantly higher initial cost than its alternatives; the lowest-priced heater option starts from around $1,000. This high initial cost would certainly deter some people from investing in this appliance when there are much cheaper alternatives in the market.

These hybrid water heaters are made to move heat from one place to another without actually generating heat in the process. Theyre efficient enough to utilize the surrounding air and ground heat and then use minimal electricity to transfer the heat energy from one point to another. Multiple consumer reports have shown that heat pump water heaters are extremely efficient as they tend to use around 60% less energy than any conventional heater in the market.

Unlike conventional water heaters, the heat pump provides incredibly consistent performance and is not fussy when it comes to maintenance. A couple of drawbacks that one faces with heat pump heaters is that they typically dont have a very impressive life span which averages out to about 10 years. In comparison to tankless heaters, which span up to 20 years, and conventional heaters that average at 15 years, the heat pump water heaters just fall shy in their longevity.

There is usually a lot of qualitative research that goes in when deciding to install a water heating unit for your apartment complex or household. After analyzing the modern market and developing a well-rounded understanding of your needs through consultation with a local plumbing professional or manufacturer, you can be certain you are making the most informed decision.

Excerpt from:
How to Find and Install a Perfect Water Heater - Floridanewstimes.com

Editorial Note: Forbes Advisor may earn a commission on sales made from partner links on this page, but that doesn't affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

Free, No-commitment Estimates

Theres nothing quite like taking a dip in crystal clear, refreshing water, especially on a hot summer day. Taking care of an inground pool does take time and effort. The last thing you want when you go to take a swim is a bunch of dirt and debris floating around.

An easy way to help keep your pool clean and efficient is with an inground pool cover. However, finding the right one can depend upon various factors including your pool shape, size and the intended purpose for the cover.

Although pool covers are not a required piece of equipment when owning a pool, there are many reasons why you should consider getting one. When your pool is not in use during prolonged periods, a pool cover will help save you time and money. Here are some more reasons why you should invest in one.

Keeping out twigs, leaves, toys, bugs or other random objects that may find their way into your pool is one obvious reason to get a pool cover. By covering the water when not in use, youll save time by not having to scoop the debris out of the water the next time that you want to swim. When you are ready to take a dip, just remove the cover and jump in.

Although swimming pools lose energy in various ways, evaporation is the largest source of energy loss. Covering up the pool helps reduce evaporation. According to the EPA, a typical uncovered pool in the United States can lose between 12,000 and 31,000 gallons of water due to evaporation every year. By using a pool cover, you can reduce evaporation by 95%.

For those who heat their pools, pool covers help retain heat after youve turned the heater off. Specialized solar covers help collect the suns heat and direct it into the water to warm it naturally for extra energy savings.Reduces Chemical Use

UV light degrades chlorine, the active chemical used in a pool to kill bacteria and microbes. Pool cover reduces the amount of UV light that comes into contact with the water, which means you wont have to use as much chlorine to keep your pool safe. Buying less chlorine also saves you money.

Some pool covers are designed to serve as safety barriers that keep people or animals from falling in. These covers are usually made from a sturdy mesh or solid material and have specific weight limits, depending on the cover. These covers are secured with sturdy straps to help prevent animals or small children from falling through.

Now that you know some of the benefits of having an inground pool cover, you can choose one that will help address your specific needs. There are four main types of pool covers:

Solar covers are an inexpensive way to keep your pool clean and heated at the same time. These covers are also referred to as solar blankets or bubble covers because they resemble a large sheet of plastic bubble wrap. Solar covers are available in various colors, thicknesses and sizes.

Most pool owners who use pool covers choose to use safety covers. These covers are designed to prevent drowning and are invaluable when you have young children or pets in the home. Safety covers are constructed from a solid, rigid material and typically have an anchor system around the pools edges to keep it in place.

Security covers come in both a mesh and solid form. Mesh covers are lighter in weight and allow rain and melted snow to drain into your pool. Despite their lighter weight, mesh covers can support thousands of pounds.

Solid covers are heavier and are an impermeable barrier on top of the pool. These covers do not allow water to seep into your pool, thus water must be pumped off the top of the cover regularly.

Also known as tarp covers, winter pool covers are the most basic type of pool cover. Made from polyethylene, this cover is used for protecting the pool during the cold season. This cover is the least expensive option.

Automatic pool covers use a series of interlocking gears to move over a pools surface. Once activated, it will start rolling on or off the pool to cover or uncover it. It does make covering a pool more convenient, but its expensive to install because it requires two parallel tracks to be mounted on the inside edge of the pool or pool deck.

Although pool covers have their advantages, using them properly will also help prevent accidents. According to Safety.com, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for young children ages one to four. However, keeping the pool covered is an excellent way to help prevent accidents. Pool covers should completely cover the surface and be securely strapped down so a child or animal can not slip under the sides. Rigid covers block water access better and automatic covers are often the safest and easiest to use.

The best pool cover depends on your most urgent needs. If you have small children or pets, a rigid or automatic cover is the best choice. For those who live in a cooler climate, a solar cover is a good choice. A basic security cover keeps debris out of your pool without breaking the bank. Consider your most essential needs, and pick a cover that addresses them the best. No matter your needs, its important to invest in a high-quality cover that will last you years to come.

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Inground Pool Covers: How To Choose The Best One For You - Forbes

As the prevalence of solar energy use increasesthroughout Whatcom County and beyond, its easy to wonder: Is now really theright time to invest in solar power?

Its a good question, and the folks at Barron Heating AC Electrical &Plumbing will answer with a resounding yes.

Barron CEO John Barron says there tends to beseveral misconceptions about what investing in a solar energy system can mean.

The first misconception is specific to ouroften-wet, cloudy environment: that theres not enough sunlight here to make asolar system practical.

That would absolutely be false, Barron says.Extreme heat can actually degrade solar power production. Solar is looking forlight, not heat. Weve got a lot of days with adequate light, even in thewinter.

No matter the season in the Pacific Northwest,a southerly exposed roof with clear access to sunlight and mild temperatureswill produce plenty of power, even when accounting for minor dips in especiallycloudy, dark weather.

A second myth is an idea that a solar arraywill be massive and cover your entire roof. This, too, is not the case. John Barronhas reached net-zero with his Bellingham home with a 30-panel, 10-kW rooftop arraythat covers no more than a quarter of his overall roof. Each panel is about 3.5feet by 5 feet in size.

Merrill Bevan, Barrons director of sales andmarketing, says Solarby Barron works to help customers design the smallest solar systempossible with their unique whole home approach. By looking at how a buildinguses all forms of energyfrom heating, venting and air conditioning(HVAC) to electrical and plumbingBarron can design a solar array based on yourhomes historic energy consumption and options for maximizing energyefficiency.

An energy efficient heat pump, a heat pump waterheater, and upgrades in insulation and weatherization are all great solutionsto achieve ultimate energy efficiency. Barron can also use an energy monitoringsystem installed in your home to measure actual energy usage. These testperiods can range from an hour snapshot to a month-long whole-home energyaudit, gathering data to help interpret the specific number of panels needed.

We bring all of those things to the table sothat instead of using outdated technology that requires a larger footprint forsolar, we can help our customers create the smallest footprint possible throughmechanical and weatherization technologies to be as efficient as they can be, saysBevan.

A third myth: that investing now will result ininvesting too soon, as solar technology advances to be far more efficient.This, too, is a fallacy.

Right now, solar panel technology among allmanufacturers has gotten to about 27 points on a 30-point efficiency scale, JohnBarron says. People that invest now are not making an investment thats goingto be short-lived.

Solar arrays are also extraordinarily durable,Barron continues, saying many of the panels they install are backed by 25-yearguarantees on parts and labor.

Making the initial investment in solar can givehomeowners pause, but Bevan shares that many Barron customers take advantage ofaffordable low-interest financing for energy smart equipment including solarinstallations. For most customers monthly payments are often no more than theiroriginal electric bills prior to installationin some cases lessandonce paid off, the result of solar is a net-zero energy bill with monthlysavings or free power continuing for the life of the system.

It was a goal of John Barrons to turn Barrons Ferndale facility into a net-zero campus and he is proud to have achieved just that. Barrons system consists of a 100-kW solar array on the roof of their 35,000 square foot facility and they received a full return on their investment in just three years. Many of Barrons employees have also gone solar for their homes.

Other financial perks of going solar includethe Federal Solar Tax Credit, which has now been extended. While it was originallyslated to decrease to 22% in 2021 before expiring in 2022, the credit is now remainingat 26% for the next two years. It grants dollar-for-dollar tax decreases toboth individuals and businesses, helping make solar energy installation moreaffordable. Equal to 26% of the total cost of a Solar by Barron energy system,the credit can directly reduce your tax liability by over $5,000.

Solar by Barron is also currently offering 10% morepower to solar customers who go net-zero with energy usage. Customers get tochoose how theyd like to future proof their homewhether thats to boost theirclean energy output for future home upgrades like a heat pump or electric carcharger station, or as a joint contribution to future-proofing our community bybringing more clean energy into our grid.

Barrons certified solar designers combineenergy efficient heating and cooling solutions with power from the sun tovirtually eliminate your power bill. The overall effect of making a homesolar-powered and extremely efficient can be profound forthose who live in it, as the team often hears from their customers.

Its like they live in a different home, JohnBarron says.

Helping people improve their lives throughsolar gets to the heart of Barrons overall missionone centered around threepillars of comfort, health, and energy efficiency. John Barron says theyreproud of the work they do, and theyre not about to slow down anytime soon.

Its not just about being a business andmaking money selling solar panels, he says. We want to make a difference inwhat we do. We know what solar does for people and we know what it does for thecommunity as a whole.

For more on how solar energy can make a difference in both the world and your world, please visit http://www.solarbybarron.com.

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Barron Heating's John Barron Busts Solar Myths - whatcomtalk.com

Theres no better litmus test for how much Ill use a piece of gear than a wintertime car camping trip. Read on for our cold-weather camping favorites.

Whether its useful in water, in snow, or around camp,if a product withstands the flogging of these environments, it will serve me well most anywhere.

This winter, I found a silver lining in isolation, chasing waves along the northern Pacific Coast in my trusty truck camper, Max. I camped at beaches from Santa Cruz, Calif., up to the Canadian border, pulling off for a week of backpacking, and then climbing east for a handful of snow days.

After a soggy winter of testing gear and warding off cold, I nailed down my current short-list of essential, non-essential gear for wintertime adventure.

Released this January, the FirePit+ ($250) is a three-fer unit: a smoke-free, wood-burning fire; a charging station; and a grill. Most importantly, it makes campfires safe and convenient, which opens the door to enjoying fires in a variety of places.

I use it on every truck camping trip, on the deck of my sailboat, and tailgating in the parking lot after particularly cold surf sessions.

The feature that sold me was the battery pack attachment, which I initially wrote off as a gimmick. The pack clips to the side of the pit and powers a simple, adjustable aeration system designed to help start the fire and keep smoke at bay.

Thanks to the air jets that line the chamber and pump oxygen to fan the flames, Ive been able to start campfires with just matches and kindling, even in rain and high wind. Once the fires blazing, the smoke disappears thanks to the added aeration.

The battery pack features a USB port for charging devices, and with the fan on its low setting, it lasts me about 8 hours on a single charge. Pair that with BioLites new cooking accessories a griddle, a reflective fire mat, a barbeque, and some sturdy cooking utensils and the fire pit morphs into a killer BBQ unit. Its a serious crowd-pleaser.

The self-contained design makes cleanup easy just wait until the coals cool and safely dump them out through the base port. Fully assembled, the legs retract into an easily transportable 2 x 1-foot package that weighs less than 20 pounds. Altogether, it earns its space in my camper.

The FirePit+ is a major update to BioLites original FirePit,first launched on Kickstarter (which also had a battery pack and smoke-free design). Updates included increased battery life and charging capability, more accessories, and an updated material/ventilation design.

The full BioLite FirePit+ Bundle With Cooking Accessories retails for $415.

Check Price at BioLite EnergyCheck Price at REI

Patagonias newly redesigned Yulex wetsuit is like the Cadillac of cold-water armor, but with a much smaller carbon footprint.

After rocking the 2017 model for 2 years (it finally ripped at the ankle seam), I picked up the new hooded Yulex R4 ($549) last fall. The upgrades in comfort were immediately noticeable. The 5.5/4mm suit, a combination of natural rubber and 100% recycled polyester and spandex, kept me toasty in sub-50-degree Washington saltwater. And it pairswell with Patagonias R4 booties and R2 gloves.

Where typical 5/4s are debilitatingly stiff, the R4s redesigned seam pattern across the shoulders offers flexibility akin to a much thinner suit. This translated to more range of motion and paddle power for surfing. It also dries insanely fast, an attribute Ive praised endlessly on cold days.

As for durability, the R4 now features wider tape and upgraded glue on the seams, making it less prone to tears, which was my only grievance with the 2017 model. Its the most comfortable 5/4mm wetsuit Ive ever tried.

And its also the most sustainably produced wetsuit of all time, which makes wearing it feel even better. (Patagonia made the Yulex sustainable by using Rainforest Alliance FSC-certified natural rubber instead of neoprene.)

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The MAX ($499) is a staple in my repertoire in any season. It makes for especially epic footage on powder runs, in big surf, and for timelapse videos on the road. Its the most versatile camera Ive ever worked with, essentially three cameras in one. Plus, it comes with a handful of digital lenses that drastically expand the shot potential.

First, the GoPro MAX is a 6K 360-degree cam, with two back-to-back 180-degree lenses on either side of the camera. This gives the camera a spherical view and makes pointing the camera less critical, which is a huge advantage for amateur GoPro users. With the right angle, the 360-degree footage looks like an overhead follow-cam, akin to a drone shot, which is an especially mindblowing view inside a barreling wave.

Secondly, the MAX is also a HERO camera GoPros famous point-and-shoot model and can accomplish wide- or standard-frame shooting. Its got a Power Pano mode, which captures distortion-free, 270-degree wide-frame photos. And TimeWarp mode can create fluid timelapse videos in both MAX and HERO modes.

The MAX also houses an upgrade of six mini-microphones for awesome sound quality without the need for an external microphone. And you can edit the footage one frame at a time in the GoPro app on your smartphone. (You can also adjust other camera settings within the app too.) Really, there are too many reasons to invest in the GoPro MAX. Its simply awesome.

But the most impressive feature of the MAX, for me, is the HyperSmooth technology, an integrated stabilization function that incorporates horizon leveling for a smooth, fluid shot, no matter the turbulence during your chosen activity. Its waterproof up to 15 feet without any housing and has a viewfinder built into the body.

The only wintertime disadvantage of the MAX is the cold it doesnt like subzero temps. If youre using it in the snow, I recommend keeping it in a pocket or wrapped in a handwarmer to save battery.

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The RinseKit POD ($140) portable shower has been my solution for staying clean and warm for multiple seasons now. I use it for hot showers, hosing down gear, and even bathing the dog while on the road.

The POD fills from any sink or hose tap, which connects directly to the 1.74-gallon reservoir via an included adapter. The reservoir is automatically pressurized by the spigot, and once full it holds pressure for up to a month. If the pressure is lost for any reason, the tank can be re-pressurized with a separately sold pressure booster. We tried it and found it always does the trick.

Bundle that with my favorite accessory the DC-powered Hot Rod Water Heater ($70) to create a hot shower that warms directly from your cars cigarette lighter! And if your cars 12V jack is broken (like mine is), RinseKit also offers a hot water sink adapter.

The POD is the smaller of two RinseKit models. The larger is the RinseKit+, which offers a 2-gallon reservoir and can hold pressure for up to 2 months. Ive owned both models, but the POD works best for me. Id say thats partially due to the PODs compactness and partially because the RinseKit+s reservoir blew out on me after a few months of use. But when Ive had issues, RinseKits customer service is always quick to resolve the problem.

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For a no-frills, durable rooftop cargo box that wont blow your budget, I like the SportsRack Horizon Alpine. Its a simple solution that got me through a rugged winter. I scored mine on Craigslist for $80, but you can find it new online for around $300, a low price point that, for me, is the biggest draw (I just cant justify spending $1,000-plus on a cargo box).

The Horizon Alpine boasts an 11-cubic-foot carrying capacity. Its modest, but enough to fit two or three snowboards with bindings, as well as boots and a few smaller items. If you need more space, the Horizon XL is a similar build but with 17 cubic feet of capacity.

The Alpine isnt awkwardly bulbous, unnecessarily heavy, or overly designed like some roof boxes. And while its not the most bulletproof box on market, the thin ABS material still held up under the weight of heavy snow.

I wouldnt trust this box with my life savings, but its enough to give me peace of mind in most places. It fits snug on my trucks custom round-bar roof rack and can adjust to fit most factory racks. Another bonus: It was light enough to easily install by myself. It also features a quick-release mounting system for equally simple removal.

The Horizon Alpine is my budget-friendly answer to an otherwise absurdly expensive car camping luxury. If money wasnt an issue, Id look to the Yakima CBX Solar, which features a built-in solar panel and two USB ports (as well as a $1,300 price tag).

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We spent a day riding powder with 57hours guide Willie Benegas. Here's what it's like to backcountry splitboard with a guide and the gear we tested. Read more

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Cold-Weather Car Camping: Gear to Enhance Winter on the Road - GearJunkie