Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Want to spend less on hot water? Want to get more hot water from the tank to the faucet? Here are 5 Things you can do to make your water heater more efficient

5 Things to make your water heater more efficient

- Wrap your water pipes with insulation. Its easy to do you can get fitted insulation tubes at any big box hardware store.

- Set the thermostat of your water heater below 130 degrees. 130 degree water can scald you, so you wind up mixing cold water with it. So, why cook it that hot to begin with?

- Wrap your water heater in a special tank blanket. Also sold at big box stores, this can save you 10-15% on your energy bill.

- Have a re-circulating pump installed. A pump will keep hot water in the area so that when you call for it, it will be there.

- Have a certified installer install a tankless water heater. Hot water only when you call for it, for as long as you call for it your best solution.

Originally posted here:
5 Things to make your water heater more efficient - WSB Radio

Q - My wife constantly worries about our water pipes freezing during cold weather.

When do normal people worry about frozen pipes and what can help prevent them.

Frank in Alpharetta

A - Its funny how many letters I get that start with either My wife or My husband

Here is a rule of thumb for frozen pipes:

If the temperature crawls below freezing and the wind is howling for more than 6-8 hours you need to be aware that frozen pipes could occur.

One of the easiest and first things you should do is to drain and unhook your hose outside your house and store it for the winter.

As far as your house pipes go, pipes that are exposed are obviously more subject to freezing than interior pipes. If you have pipes running through your crawlspace it would be wise to wrap them in insulation.

(Insulation for pipes is available at all most all hardware stores, is inexpensive, and is very, very easy to install yourself.)

The next most vulnerable pipes are the ones in your garage (same cure) followed by pipes located in exterior walls of your home.

To help keep those pipes in your exterior walls from freezing open the cabinet doors under your sinks to allow heat from house easier access.

In very cold situations you should drip your pipes overnight. It takes running water much longer to freeze than still water. Dont forget to drip the hot water AND the cold water pipes at the same time.

Remember - hot water doesnt stay hot in the pipes very long so both are susceptible to freezing.

One other tip to consider - if your water heater is in your crawlspace or garage, really consider getting a blanket to wrap it in. Wrapping your water heater will help it work more efficiently.

One last tip - in a worst case scenario it is also good to know how to shut off the water to your house in case a frozen pipe bursts.

Learn where the cut-off valve is at the house, and at the street.

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Try to get ahead of the curve on this frosty problem - WSB Radio

If COVID-19 taught us anything this year, its how badly things can go if we ignore science, dont take precautions and dont protect the most vulnerable among us. As we work to recover from the pandemic, we cant forget another looming crisis: climate change. For years, science told us its coming. Were already seeing the impacts. 2020 wasnt a terrible year just because of COVID-19. We were hammered by more fires and extreme heat than weve ever seen because our climate is changing.

The rest of the country looks to California for climate leadership, even as we struggle to reach our 2030 climate goals. The good news is we can continue to lead in California. To do this, we must be both strategic and bold to address the major sources of greenhouse gas emissions in our state: More than 60% comes from buildings, electricity generation and transportation.

As a newly elected state senator, Im excited to get to work. Here are some ideas:

Fourteen years ago, California set a goal of 1 million solar roofs, a milestone reached in 2018. I propose making it possible for us to soon have at least 1 million electric buildings to more deeply slash our use of fossil fuels and the emissions they produce. To do so we must create electric-ready homes and other buildings by lowering barriers that make it hard to switch to electric models when major appliances and equipment like a homes furnace or water heater need replacing. This will speed our transition from natural gas.

To further drive our grid toward 100% clean energy, we should establish a 24/7 Clean Energy Standard that spurs companies to invest in diverse clean energy sources, energy storage and flexible loads so clean energy can be delivered whenever we need it, not just when the sun shines or the wind blows.

To speed our switch to cleaner cars, we can help people, especially those with lower incomes, buy low-emission cars and retire the oldest, dirtiest ones.

Our state government must lead the way. We should set a net zero target for state government operations by 2035 and ensure our state uses its buying power to expand markets for electric vehicles, electric heating, and lower-carbon concrete, steel and other commodities.

A key theme of my campaign was Prioritize Climate Now. Climate change wont stop on its own any more than COVID-19 has. Battling the crisis will be hard work, but to emerge from the coronavirus recession, work is exactly what we need. We can put people to work building wind and solar farms, a resilient grid, energy storage systems, electric HVAC systems and water heaters, and so much more. We need people building new electric homes, retrofitting buildings to install electric appliances, and making all buildings more energy efficient. The group Rewiring America estimates that building a cleaner future will create 25 million net new jobs nationwide at the peak of this transition, with 5 million of those jobs sustained long term. A serious climate program can be seriously good for putting people back to work.

The best news is when we get there when weve switched from burning dirty stuff we dug out of the ground to using clean, renewable energy our quality of life and the environment sustaining us will be so much better than today. Well have stopped fueling climate change, well breathe cleaner air and save money on energy costs. Electric cars are already cheaper to drive than gas-powered cars, and electric heating is far more energy-efficient than gas furnaces. Neither pollute our air when powered by clean electricity. What are we waiting for? Lets go.

Josh Becker represents the 13th District in the California Senate.

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Opinion: Climate change wont stop on its own any more than COVID-19 has - The Mercury News

Mr. D. V. Manjunatha's distinct skill to pick the right leaders for the right role has made Emmvee develop a highly skilled and dedicated set of managers and employees. Also, his ability to create an affiliation with different industry stakeholders has made Emmvee not only develop a wide range of suppliers from across the world but has made the company a more reliable, transparent, and customer-centric organization.

The rise of 'Solarizer' solar water heaters

Emmvee which started with the manufacturing and marketing of thermal and PV products soon recognized the increasing demand for solar water heaters and started manufacturing them at their production facility located at Bangalore Karnataka.

Today Emmvee under the brand name 'Solarizer' has grown to be the largest manufacturer of solar water heating systems in India and Europe. Emmvee has installed more than 5, 00,000 solar water heaters in homes and institutions which include some of the most prestigious names in India and across the world. It caters to leading distribution and installation companies across the globe including Europe and India.

Expedition into PV module manufacturing

Mr. D. V. Manjunatha despite many domestic challenges embarked his way into the production of solar PV modules in the year 2007.

In a short span of time, Emmvee became one of the leading manufacturers of PV modules developed at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bangalore, India with a production capacity of 500 MW. In the last thirteen years, Emmvee has manufactured and supplied more than 1.5 GW of PV modules in India and across the world.

Major projects executed

Emmvee over the years has built a strong expertise in developing and maintaining solar projects of different scales. It has commissioned more than 200 MW of solar projects in India and across the world. It has developed many solar PV rooftop projects, large scale solar PV power projects, and land to PPA, EPC projects, and O&M projects for DCR & Non-DCR requirements.

Some of the key projects executed:

Accreditations and Certifications

Mr. D. V. Manjunatha over the years has built a strong brand legacy of providing world-class quality products and excellent customer support. Emmvee has received numerous accreditations and certifications from some of the leading institutions across the world:

Awards and recognition

Mr. D. V. Manjunatha's strong business acumen and contribution towards developing a strong renewable energy ecosystem have been recognized by numerous national and international organizations such as:

New business horizons and product innovations

Emmvee's constant urge to provide its customer with the best quality products has made us implement many new and innovative manufacturing processes.

Many of these processes have received international recognition and have contributed to putting the whole Indian solar manufacturing industry on the global map.

International business expansion

Mr. D. V. Manjunatha in his 28 years of entrepreneurship journey has beaten all the odds to script a number of revolutionary precedents. Emmvee is one of the first Indian solar PV manufacturers to start International operations by setting up an office at Berlin, Germany to distribute their PV modules in Europe.

About Emmvee

Emmvee is an intelligent solar solutions producer born from an idea to implement green energy to better use. We aim at providing universally designed products to support all kinds of contemporary and sustainable living. Amidst our industrial product range, Photovoltaics and Solar Water Heating Systems are our strongest since inception in 1992.

Emmvee is a leading manufacturer of solar products with a substantial market share in India, Europe, Africa and Middle East. All our premium solar products are entirely manufactured in India with the help of multiple production units established in Karnataka, India.

Emmvee has expertise in the field of development of large scale project and EPC in India and Europe. Emmvee has successfully installed and commissioned solar PV projects 14 MW in North of Germany and 13 MW rooftop and 150+ MW ground-mounted in India. In 2018, Emmvee has accomplished a milestone of 1.5 GW of module supply. Also, it is an ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 as well as OHSAS 18001:2007, IEC61215 and IEC61730 accredited organization and our products maintain quality standards as they are constantly monitored throughout the manufacturing processes. Emmvee modules are certificated by UL and BIS and also have a saltwater mist corrosion certification. It caters to leading distribution and installation companies across the globe including Europe and India. All photovoltaic modules and systems are successfully connected and are programmed to generate high yield to our customers worldwide.

Product: PV Module manufacturer, solar water heating system, EPC, Solar power plant developer, turnkey service provider, O & M, Rooftop Solutions etc.

Company Contact Details - Emmvee Photovoltaic Power Private Limited,#13/1, International Airport Road, Bettahalasur Post, Bengaluru - 562 157, India

Media Contact: Saritha T[emailprotected]+91-91481-94490Manager - Marketing & BrandingEmmvee Photovoltaic Power Pvt Ltd.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1359753/solar_manufacturing_industry.jpg

SOURCE Emmvee Photovoltaic Power Pvt Ltd.

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Mr. DV Manjunatha MD & Founder of Emmvee Group, One of the key person to shape the Indian solar manufacturing industry - PR Newswire India

Winter is coming. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting a colder winter this December - January, it's time to stock up the necessary appliances and gadgets that will keep you warm in the chilly weather.

Water geysers

Biting cold winters mean chilled freezing water in the taps, and nothing can beat the comfort of warm water during this season. Use of water is something you can't avoid - be it washing your hands, working in the kitchen or showering. As the name suggests, instant water heaters have a high heating rate and come with a smaller storage tank, making it ideal for kitchens and not for baths. If you are planning to install one in your bathroom, consider the storage water geysers (popular capacity being 15 and 25 litres) that do take slightly longer in heating but provide continuous hot water (for the said capacity).

Havells Opal 3L Instant Water Geyser: Rs 3,299

Keeping aesthetics of a modern kitchen in mind, the Oval has a compact design. This 3 litre instant water geyser comes with a shockproof ABS outer body and is also equipped with an extra thick SS inner tank of superior 304 L grade. With power consumption of 3000W, it also has energy-saving features. It is equipped with a fire retardant power cord to offer maximum safety of its users. Havells says the range ensures quicker water heating and is also equipped with the twin indicator lamp to know when the water is hot enough for use

Crompton Solarium Qube 15 litre: Rs 7,050

For years water geysers have had a long cylindrical design. But if you are looking for something compact and squarish, the Solarium Qube is worth considering. It comes with a durable body that offers toughness and high heat resistance. To prevent the tank from corrosion, Solarium Qube is equipped with polymer-coated water tanks. This 5-star energy-efficient rated storage water geyser has 1200 gm heating element for faster heating and can heat the water to 45 degree Celsius in 10 minutes. And the 8 bar pressure rating can withstand extreme pressure making it suitable for high rise buildings. This geyser is available in 15 litre and 25 litre capacity.

USHA Aqua Tide 15 L: Rs 12,095

This one is a digital temperature control storage water heater, which Usha claims has a self-learning intelligence feature that senses temperature usage over a period of time and automatically sets the temperature of water to be heated. This BEE 5-star rated energy-saving product comes with IntelliValve, which releases pressure when the temperature exceeds the limit and prevents water backflow. The Programme Memory function preserves the last setting, in case of abrupt power off, Eco function saves electricity and the Error Code Display flags off functional alerts. Aqua Tide is available in 15 litre and 25 litre storage capacity.

Jaquar VERSA DIGITAL HORIZONTAL 40 Litre: Rs 14,100

For those who enjoy showering under hot water for long should consider this high storage capacity geyser. The Versa Horizontal is useful for homes with low ceilings or false ceilings and the 8 bar pressure rating makes it ideal for high rise buildings. Designed for use with shower panels or bathtubs, it has a digital panel and is accompanied with a cordless remote.

Orient Aquator IoT storage Gassline Water heater 25 litre: Rs 14, 490

The Aquator IoT storage water heater is a smart IoT Based water heater which can be operated using the smart Orient app. The app can be used for bath schedule, temperature and even turn it on or off when not at home. Other features onboard include soft touch control with LED display, Eco Mode for switching the product to lower energy consumption and smart model for faster and longer heating of water. BEE 5 Star rating means lesser energy consumption. Orient claims it is suitable for working in hard water conditions and equipped with Ultra Diamond Glassline tank for durability. It has a shock-proof, water-proof high grade plastic body, withstands up to 8 bar pressure (suitable for high rise buildings which prevent from tank leakage and withstands high pressure), has PUF insulation for better heat retention and ensures hot water for a long time. The geyser is available in 6 litre, 10 litre, 15 litre and 25 litre storage capacity.

Room Heaters:

It's the cosiness of the home that helps one relax. As the temperature starts to dip, room heaters can come handy in creating the nook with the perfect temperature.

Usha Carbon Heater CH 3408: Rs 6,440

Claiming to be ideal for night-time use with low luminescence, it generates infrared heat that spreads evenly across the room and also helps alleviate pain from sore muscles. The thin carbon rods are for an even heat distribution resulting in deeper penetration of heat into the skin tissues. The dual operation mode enables the heater to be used in both the horizontal and vertical positions. Featuring thermal cut-out for overheating protection, it also has up to 180 minutes of timer.

Lifelong LLFH02 Flare-X 2000 Watt Fan Room Heater: Rs 1,124

Coming from the home-grown home and kitchen appliance company Lifelong, this fan room heater 2400 RPM copper winded motor for quick heating and can be used both vertically and horizontally. It has an adjustable thermostat setting for temperature control along with cool, warm or hot wind selection knob for heat settings. It also has a built-in overheating protection. The throw range of 10 makes it perfect for a small to medium-sized room.

Orient OFCC09B3A Oil Filled Radiator: Rs 12,190

Unlike rod heaters, oil-filled room heaters don't burn oxygen and do not reduce humidity. Orient Electric's OFRs is equipped with S-shaped fins for uniform heat distribution. Added safety features onboard include 360-degree trip-over safety to prevent spillage and triple overheating protection. According to the company, the oil heater can warm up any room, any size while saving on energy. This is a 9 fin oil room heater with powder-coated metal body.

Bajaj RHX-2 Halogen Room Heater: Rs 1,549

Bajaj's Halogen room heater is equipped with two halogen tubes and high-grade reflectors for efficient heating. Offering two heat settings -- 400W and 800W, it has chrome-plated heat reflector plating made with CRCA material for even heating across the room. Bajaj says it also has a durable mesh grill that ensures the safety of hand against direct heat and the outer body is built with durable ABS material.

Dyson Pure Hot + Cool : Rs 61,900

Serving dual purpose, the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool can clean indoor air and helps in maintaining the desired room temperature. Using thermostat heat control, the heating functionality is automatically switched to standby mode once the desired temperature is reached, and the machine automatically switches back on once it senses a drop in the temperature. As an air purifier, it automatically senses the indoor air pollution and activates the machine to purify throughout the whole room, capturing 99.95 per cent of ultrafine particles and destroying formaldehyde continuously. The Cryptomic technology onboard destroys formaldehyde continuously at a molecular level transforming potentially harmful gas into small amounts of water and carbon dioxide.

Others:

Electric bed warmer: Rs 899 onwards

If you don't wish to turn on the room heater, you can warm your bed using an electric bed warmer. Starting at Rs 899, there are plenty of electric warmers that you can add to your bed. It is also believed that heat and warmth help in reducing pain and alleviate the discomfort of sore muscles and aches. Some even have dual controllers where the heat can be customised to manage the individual comfort of two people in one bed.

Under Door Stoppers: Rs 350 for two piece

Another way to keep the cold at bay is by adding under-door stoppers. Smart Saver 36 Inch Under Door Draft Stopper is a double-sided insulating device for doors and windows the fabric draft stopper sleeve holds foam cylinders on opposite sides of a door, creating an airtight, draft-proof seal. It is useful and effective to ensure the home is warm. It can also keep dust or even polluted air out. And most importantly are easy to install.

Also Read: Cold storage chain for COVID-19 vaccine in works; govt ropes in airlines

Also Read: COVID-19 crisis: Night curfew in Ahmedabad extended till further notice

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Appliances, gadgets that will keep you warm this chilly winter - Business Today

Before a winter storm strikes, you should have a communication and disaster plan.

GREENSBORO, N.C. Winter Weather Preparedness Week runs from December 6 12 in North Carolina. Governor Roy Cooper is encouraging all North Carolinians to plan and prepare now, before potentially dangerous winter weather arrives.

All North Carolinians should be prepared for inclement weather throughout the year, Governor Cooper said. This year has shown us just how unpredictable North Carolinas weather can be.

Governor Cooper is also urging residents to monitor changing weather conditions by listening to local media, update their plans and supply kits, and pay close attention to winter weather watches, warnings and advisories.

During the winter season, staying warm and safe can be a challenge. Winter storms can bring cold temperatures, power failures, loss of communication services, icy roads, and other serious problems.

Before a winter storm strikes, you should have a communication and disaster plan. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, has made preparing for disasters and emergencies a little bit more complicated this year. But, everyone, especially those who are at an increased risk for severe illness from the virus, should prepare now for the effects a winter storm can have on personal and public health.

Here are some suggestions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prepare your home before a winter storm hits.

Have your chimney or flue inspected each year.

Install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector.

For older adults, keep an easy-to-read thermometer inside your home.

Create an emergency car kit.

Listen to weather forecasts, and check your supplies.

For more information on how to prepare for winter storms and other hazards that affect North Carolina, visit the ReadyNC website.

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Winter Weather Preparedness Week: Tips to prepare for the winter season amid COVID-19 pandemic - WFMYNews2.com

The environment has been a topic of discussion for the last few decades, with global warming being a huge concern for scientists and world citizens alike.

Here are some eco-conscious renovations that will not only impact the environment positively but will also help you increase your home value:

1. Solar panels

Solar panelsare a great way to reduce the amount of electricity you use. Electricity is expensive to manufacture, and this cost is felt by consumers. In addition to this, the burning of coal to produce electricity has a disastrous effect on the environment.

Adding solar panels to your home may be expensive at first, but down the line, you will have saved much more than your installation costs. Solar energy will help you use way less electricity, driving your electricity bill down. You can also add a solar-powered water heater/geyser to further drive down costs. And of course, the best part about solar energy is that its free, the environment doesnt have to suffer, and load shedding will no longer be a huge concern for you.

2. Rainwater catcher

Water consumption is a huge part of environmentally friendly living. The rising temperature of the earth has led to water shortages in some parts of the globe, with Cape Towns Day Zero being a prime example of a global warming induced drought.

Installing a rainwater catcher is an excellent way to put less pressure on the countrys water supply and save water, reduce soil erosion and pollution from fertilizers or pesticides, save money and improve plant and soil health.

3. A vegetable garden

A well-maintainedvegetable gardencan improve your home value, as long as it isnt overdone. Anything thats too over-the-top will take a lot of money to upkeep, and that can be off-putting to potential buyers should you decide to sell your home.

Adding a small patch of vegetables in your garden is a good way to reduce your food costs and grow your own organic food, which is not only good for your health but will do wonders for the environment too.

4. Geothermal heating and cooling (Geothermal HVAC)

Geothermal heating and cooling involves the use of the earths geothermal energy for the purpose of heating and cooling a home. This is made possible through the use of a system of buried pipes that work with the earths underground temperature.

Geothermal HVAC requires a minute amount of electricity to run, and this process of heating and cooling your home has a very low carbon footprint, meaning its great for the environment, unlike regular air conditioners.

This heating and cooling system will ensure that your home stays perfectly cool in the summer and warm in the winter at a really low cost.

5. Low-flow water fixtures

Low-flow fixtures are plumbing additions that helpconserve a significant amount of water.Installing these in your home will reduce water consumption by 20%, helping you use less water and save money in the process.

If you are looking to renovate your home and increase your homes value, consider adding eco-friendly additions that will not only be beneficial for the environment but will be beneficial for your pockets too.

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Eco-conscious renovations that will increase property value - Roodepoort Record

Escape of water is a particular problem in blocks of flats, accounting for up to 50% of the annual total claims reported each year by leaseholders. On the following pages we look in detail at the issues surrounding water damage and talk to two companies that specialise in leak detection.

According to the Association of British Insurers, escape of water resulted in 860 million in claims pay-outs in 2011 and 2012. This is a particular issue for flat owners because not only their property but their neighbours flats can be badly damaged by leaking water; and it is easy for water to soak into the structural components of blocks, potentially causing hidden problems that may only be discovered months or even years later. Where water damage claims are common across particular blocks, insurers will commonly apply increased excesses/deductibles, higher premiums or may even withdraw cover altogether.

Perhaps surprisingly, the number of claims made for damage caused by escape of water is higher in newer properties (pro-rata). A block of flats built after 1990 is nearly twice as likely as an older property to report this type of damage, according to flat insurer Deacons analysis of claims. So what can flat owners do to minimise the risks and keep insurance at affordable levels?

Deacon director Nigel Feast says: Regular maintenance checks are a good idea. Youd be amazed how quickly a small drip or pinhole in a hose can turn into a four-figure claim to repair a kitchen and the ceiling of the flat below. Yes, the insurance may cover it, but that wont prevent the distress or disruption that inevitably follows water damage within a home. And, if there are repeated incidences, you will find that either premiums or excesses will be increased. Like other brokers, Deacons ability to minimise penalties from insurers on behalf of clients is limited. While we do our best, our ability to do this is limited if the same building continues to suffer this kind of damage. Nigel explains. His advice is to make sure your building is checked regularly to help prevent water-related accidents occurring (see our checklist on page 37 for more on how to prevent leaks).

To look in detail at the problems caused for flat owners by leaks and to consider the insurance industrys response to these issues Flat Living has set up a water damage forum in collaboration with two leading insurance brokers Residentsline and Midway. The first forum was held in May and was attended by a range of property experts including representatives from the insurance sector as well as block managers and those working in companies specializing in leak detection and prevention.

Longer term, should the insurance industry insist they would only insure new builds with timber frames and plastic plumbing if they had leak protection installed, it would force developers to sit up and take notice.

Arriving home after a long weekend to find a puddle of water in your single level bungalow is a nuisance. Arriving home at your flat on the fifteenth floor to find a leak is a potential calamity. In the best case scenario, you get out the mop and clean up, hopefully without suffering too much damage to your ceilings or floors. The worst case scenario is that water will have found its way through walls and floors from somewhere above. The source may be only one floor above, but water may be coming from several levels above its point of discovery. Ceilings, walls, flooring and furnishings all along the leak path may require repairs. There may be hidden damp spaces leading to mould and mildew and necessitating disruptive, time consuming repairs and restoration. Water damage has been known to cost well in excess of 200,000 (Source: Zurich Insurance) to put right. Liability disputes between leaseholders and the management company are a possibility and increases in insurance premiums are likely.

Lets be clear, water leaks are not an everyday occurrence. The average home owner may go years between the leaking water heater and a broken water pipe. Single family home owners often accept the risk and consequences of the occasional leak. But for anyone living in a high rise residence, the occasional leak for the individual flat expands proportionately to the number of flats in the stack. The problem is particularly acute in blocks where owners are absent for months at a time. Leaks may not be discovered until they reach an occupied level and the cost of repairs will be much higher.

Potential water sources are plentiful: sinks; drains; toilets; baths and showers; hot water heaters; dishwashers; washing machines; chilled water dispensers; wet bars; poorly maintained roofs and windows; drip irrigation systems for roof or balcony plantings; and hot and chilled water circulation for air conditioning can all cause problems. Mechanical systems are not infallible. Vibrations can loosen fittings; plastic parts can become brittle and metal parts may corrode. Structural seals crack and fail. Sooner or later something will leak.

The key to damage prevention is early and accurate detection and there are two basic leak detection strategies:

The response is twofold: Isolate the water supply if possible and notify a person who can initiate repairs.

Excess flow detection can be achieved simply and effectively by using a home water monitor. This is an electronic device that automatically shuts off the water supply if the water flow continues beyond a pre-set period. The monitor is set so the owner has time to fill a bath or take a shower, but if water continues to flow beyond the time limit, a solenoid valve is triggered to isolate the water supply. The timer automatically resets whenever the flow drops to zero of its own accord.

The cost is around 300 for a monitor to fit a typical 15mm home water pipe, complete with controller and isolating valve plus about 100/140 for installation. While it is possible to retrofit these devices, the installation costs are somewhat lower when plumbing is exposed during construction.

Planning where to install isolation valves and determining who has override permission may be problematic. Also consider that some devices like dishwashers and washing machines have their own timers which periodically shut of internal water flow and thereby reset the Home Water Monitor. Flow monitoring devices only work for supply lines. Drain and structural leaks are not detected.

To detect the presence of water in a place that should be dry, a variety of water sensor cables and point detectors (probes) are readily available on the commercial market. Sensor cable works by detecting a puddle of water anywhere along its length and the more sophisticated systems will report the leak location as well. Cable can be used to trace along a pipe or surround a potential source of leakage. Point detectors are useful to monitor individual devices like a dishwasher, or within inaccessible areas such as behind a refrigerator. As with flow monitoring devices, sensor cables typically activate a solenoid isolation valve if water is detected and may also include an audible alarm.

Water leak detection systems using sensing cables or point detectors are most commonly used within large or higher value properties and are typically installed during the construction or refurbishment stage. An alarm panel is at the heart of the system, monitoring the water sensing point detectors or sensing cables positioned under, or adjacent to, any pipes or mechanical plant using water within the apartment.

Once a leak has been detected, the panel will sound an alarm to alert the resident. Relays in the panel can also be linked to the building maintenance team or concierge should the apartment be unoccupied. The panel will indicate the room name or zone number where the leak has been detected. This directs the plumber or maintenance team to the source of the problem. The probes and sensing cables dry within seconds, allowing the system to be reset once the area has been cleaned.

Systems can be designed ranging in size from a simple, single point detector and panel for 220 to multi-floor, building-wide, complex digital systems. A flat with about six point detectors, several metres of sensor cable and a control panel will cost between 300 and 700. Retrofit is possible, but wiring costs from the various detection points to a central alarm panel may add significantly to the installed cost. Prewiring during new construction is less costly. Wireless communication to the central panel is an emerging trend, with a new product from Aquilar anticipated shortly.

Sensor placement is key. If point detectors are used and the leak misses the detector, then early notification is lost. Sensing cables and probes will detect the smallest amount of water, however their position is very important and systems must be designed by a specialist. Where a company such as Aquilar is consulted, a detailed design will give residents a range of options to optimize detection:

Whenever a leak is detected or an isolation valve is triggered, the building maintenance engineer must be notified. In buildings with Building Management Systems, a simple relay tie-in is sufficient, with the alarm being logged and handled alongside other BMS notifications. In remotely-managed buildings, most water detection systems offer landline dial out, cellular based SMS texting or Wi-Fi connectivity to send alerts to both owners and facility teams.

Early water detection and a quick response is not unlike buying insurance. You as a building manager, owner or individual tenant may be lucky for many years. On the other hand, something as simple as a corroded pipe may lead to hefty repair costs if not detected early and promptly corrected. A small investment in the right equipment now can pay for itself many times over in damage prevented.

The AquiTron AT-HW leak detection system is suitable for most types of home, but is especially suitable for multi-level apartment blocks. The system consists of a simple user friendly wall mounted controller which wirelessly communicates to the low voltage valve drive and isolating solenoid valve and simply installed by a plumber. Ideally, each flat would have a system installed, providing peace of mind that any damage caused by a leak would be minimised because the main cold water supply would be shut off. This also provides a comfort factor for other owners on lower levels.

The benefits of the AquiTron Home System include:

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Water damage to flats is a costly nightmare How to help ... - Environmental Expert

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

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Top 10 Best Wireless Programmable Thermostats 2020 - Best gaming pro

Is the farmhouse kitchen not on your 2020 remodeling agenda? Some homeowners find it outdated and boring. So is it canceled once and for all? We think not!

A farmhouse kitchen design with new and modern updates can lighten up your space, unlike any other design. Its a popular myth that only traditional-style homes can have a country kitchen.

Farmhouse kitchen is more about personal expression than you would think. With a few tweaks and our farmhouse kitchen remodeling ideas, you can make your kitchen look fresher and a little more transitional. Furthermore, the farmhouse kitchen takes inspiration from simple pleasures of life. Nature and your surroundings play a huge role in a farmhouse kitchen.

If you are ready to take the plunge into remodeling your kitchen space, check out our dreamy and trendy list of farmhouse kitchen ideas. The ideas we have covered are sure to inspire you to redesign your sanctuary that you call kitchen.

We personally love how much this style has evolved over time. As new trends emerge, the farmhouse kitchen has adopted elements of other popular kitchen designs. Its common to find farmhouse kitchens in 2020 that borrow elements of Scandinavian, contemporary, and even modern styles.

In fact, the farmhouse design can be played in a way that it transforms your kitchen into your sanctuary. You can either stick to the black and white terra-cotta floor tiles or go for the classic wooden floors.

Either way, a fresh neutral palette for your cabinets can bring the entire design into cohesion. Shaker cabinets with clean lines and fresh neutral colors like gray and tan can be a great aesthetic choice.

While you can stick to the barn-style door, recessed cabinet doors, apron sink, and Roman shades on your windows, its important to add international style chairs. You can also add a Carrera marble island or even a stainless steel sink for a modern touch. The idea is to get the best of both worlds to make the kitchen space fit your needs best.

Here, we recommend keeping the color palette light. In return, you can add more pops of color throughout the room. Meaning you can add those gold or copper undertone of faucets or hardware for that old-world charm.

On the contrary, long pendant lights are still trending so you can incorporate those, as well. You hang them low to accentuate those high ceilings. Even sconces, for that matter, are a classic choice for a country-inspired kitchen.

Decorative items such as popular art, sculptures, flea market finds on exposed shelves can add that modern touch. Another farmhouse kitchen idea is to have a themed pantry with wicker or woven baskets and mason jars.

*This article is posted by and in partnership with VKB Kitchen and Bath, a kitchen and bathroom remodeling store in Columbia, MD.

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Everything You Need to Know About Farmhouse Kitchen Remodel - The DC Post