With summer fast approaching, it’s time to get ready for outdoor activities — and for keeping cool indoors. If your home is more than 10 years old, you might be wondering if your air conditioning system will make it through another season. But should you replace it now or hold out?
Air conditioners, like any other mechanical systems, last only so long. Typically, they should serve you well for 10 to 12 years. Going beyond that might be a stretch, though. (more…)
One of the places the average family can find savings is in their monthly energy bill. Sealing your HVAC ducts throughout your home is a good place to start.
Many things can happen to cause leaks in your ducts; from parts that just don’t come together quite well to damage caused by moving heavy boxes, especially in the attic and basement areas. Leaks in your ducts can cause as much as 15 percent of the heated and cooled air to escape, which only wastes energy and drives up your utility bill. (more…)
A home remodel is an exciting prospect, but also a big investment. To be certain you get the right kitchen or bathroom plumbing system installed correctly, within budget and on time, consider consulting a plumbing contractor early in the planning stage. Professional guidance can be invaluable as part of such a complex undertaking, warding off money- and time-wasting errors down the road.
Some tips for choosing a plumbing contractor you can trust: (more…)
A low-flow shower head, known as an aerating shower head, modifies the size and direction of water droplets by injecting air into the water stream. This adjustment creates a gentler spray compared to the forceful jets typical of traditional shower heads. For many individuals, switching to an aerating shower head has resulted in more relaxing showers.
On the other hand, a non-aerating low-flow shower head does not introduce air into the water stream, delivering a more intense and concentrated water flow. The choice between these types of low-flow shower heads can significantly influence your shower experience, catering to your personal preference for water pressure and comfort.
How Does an Aerating Shower Head Save Water?
By installing an aerating shower head, you can significantly reduce water consumption during your family’s showers, potentially cutting it in half. This water-saving device achieves this by infusing air into the water stream, which not only creates a gentler and more soothing spray but also ensures that you use less water without compromising your shower experience. The controlled, aerated flow allows you to enjoy a satisfying shower while being mindful of water conservation.
Additionally, non-aerating low-flow shower heads are available for those who prefer a more forceful stream, offering an option to suit various preferences while still conserving water. This simple change in your bathroom can contribute to both water and energy savings, reducing utility costs and benefiting the environment.
4 Benefits of Aerated Shower Heads
Aerating shower heads provide a straightforward and budget-friendly method to benefit your finances while also helping the environment. Replacing your old shower head with an aerating one is typically a straightforward task. Although they are available at various price points, they generally prove to be an affordable investment.
Along with the direct savings on water expenses, aerating shower heads contribute to lower gas and electric bills. This is because your water heater doesn’t have to work as strenuously to meet your family’s hot water demands. By conserving both water and energy, these shower heads offer a practical and eco-friendly solution for your home.
Along with saving water, there are many benefits to installing an aerated shower head in your home, including:
- Enhanced Comfort: The infusion of air creates a gentler and more soothing spray for a more enjoyable shower experience.
- Utility Cost Reduction: Using less hot water can lower energy bills, saving you money in the long run.
- Environmental Impact: Reduced water usage contributes to water conservation efforts and decreases your carbon footprint.
- Versatility: Non-aerating low-flow options are available for those who prefer a more forceful water flow.
Importance of Regular Shower Head Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your aerating shower head is important to ensure it continues to perform efficiently and provide the anticipated water and energy savings. Over time, mineral deposits from hard water can accumulate within the shower head, obstructing the aerator and reducing water flow. Cleaning the aerator and nozzles periodically helps maintain the ideal water-air mixture, preserving the shower head’s effectiveness.
Additionally, inspecting the shower head for leaks or drips and promptly addressing any issues can prevent water wastage. Routine cleaning and maintenance not only prolong the lifespan of your aerating shower head but also contribute to long-term cost savings by reducing water and energy consumption.
Along with a new shower head, you can install a water softener so you can be free of minerals in your water. This will protect the lifespan of your pipes, drains, appliances, and even clothing.
Can I Use an Aerator in Other Areas of My Home?
If you want to make an even bigger difference, aerators can also be installed in your home’s kitchen, bathroom, and other faucets. While replacing your shower head is a simple task to accomplish, it’s beneficial to have your shower head replacement handled by a plumbing professional. This is extremely crucial if you want to replace all of the faucets in your home.
An experienced plumber can help you find an aerating shower head that meets your plumbing system and water flow needs and install it wherever you would like it.
Ready for a Shower Water Saver?
Are you thinking about making the switch? A new aerating shower head will save you money, protect your pipes, and enhance your comfort. If you want to install an aerating shower head in your Indiana or Michigan home, feel free to contact us and schedule an appointment with our professional plumbers. We at Home Comfort Experts are dedicated to saving you money and making your home comfortable.
You can’t see them, but invisible organisms and minerals from your humidifier’s water tank may be in the air you and your family breathe while indoors. Therefore, humidifier cleaning and care is an important part of keeping your home healthy. (more…)
While many people think that energy bills are just something to put up with, there are a number of things your can do to create energy savings. Energy Star recently offered a few tips we thought were worth passing along: (more…)
Are tankless water heaters really all that great? To find out, let’s first look at how tankless units work. When the hot water tap is turned on, cold water is pumped into the heating unit, where an electric element or gas burner quickly heats the water.
The fact is, homeowners here in northern Indiana and southwest Wisconsin can reduce their water heating bills substantially with tankless water heaters. These units provide savings with the “on demand” feature – water is heated only when needed. Traditional storage heaters use standby energy to keep a stored supply of water hot, which wastes energy and makes your utility bills higher than they need to be. (more…)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Energy Star program encourages homeowners like you to use energy saving equipment for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). Such equipment saves energy resources because it is highly efficient. Therefore, you should look for the Energy Star label on HVAC units when deciding on upgrades to your present home systems.
Combining efforts with the EPA, Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). This law gives you a credit on your income tax return for installing certain Energy Star equipment in your home. Recently, the law was extended to include equipment installed this year. (more…)
Improving the air quality in your home can keep those upcoming springtime allergies at bay.
A quality air purifier will help to keep your indoor air clean and fresh. For example, a HEPA, High Efficiency Particle Air, purifier captures and eliminates almost all visible and invisible pollutants that could trigger an allergy attack or compromise your family’s health in other ways. Hospitals use HEPA air purifiers to maximize sanitary conditions. (more…)