Solar water heating systems use solar panels and water storage to collect and store heat from the sun for home hot water use or space heating. Solar water heating systems are typically used to deliver preheated water to a standard water heater. Solar water heating is more cost effective than ever as a result of newer technology, reliable products to choose from, and rising energy prices.
Homeowners should choose only those solar water heaters that are SRCC (Solar Rating and Certification Corporated) certified. Before selecting equipment, ensure that there is a sufficient south-facing roof surface on which to place the solar collector panels, that the roof will accomodate the system's weight, and that tehre is enough area near the water heater for for any additional equipment needed (storage tanks, pumps, pipes, and controllers).
There are Federal tax credits available for installing solar hot water systems. Your tax advisor should have information on available programs, as should your contractor ,or the solar energy equipment installer you work with. You can also visit the California Energy Commission's website:
www.consumerenergycenter.org.
Maintaining Proper Water Pressure
Water pressure is controlled by the internal diameter of the pipes. The smaller the diameter, the lower the water pressure, and the greater the velocity of water moving through it.
In order to ensure proper function, there is a standaardized system of building codes that control many aspects of plumbing including:
Water Supply
In most homes, water comes from one of two places; a private well (not so common in our area), or a service pipe that connects to the city's water main.
For homes with private wells, a pump pushes water up into a pressure tank where it is stored for use. Homes with city water have a water supply line that is connected to the city's water main. Water passes through a water meter that measures the volume of water used in the house. In case of repairs or emergency, both systems usually have a shut-off valve located near the start of the incoming line that enables the water supply to be temporarily cut off.
Water supply lines are generally made of copper, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride plastic, (CPVC), or galvanized steel. Pipes that carry cold water branch out from the main pipe. Some water is directed to the hot water heater for heating, and hot water pipes originate from there.
Where Does Wastewater Go?
When wastewater goes down the drain, it forst passes through a trap; a U-shaped curve in the pipe that retains a small amount of water so that sewer gas cannot come up through the pipes and enter your home. It then passes into the main waste drain pipes.
The main component of the waste drain is the soil stack, a vertical stack of pipes taht is connected to the outbound sewer line. The stack has a vent which extends vertically through the roof, allowing gases to escape and promote drain flow by drawing air inward. It's very important to keep this vent clear. Plugged vents can trap dangerous gases and inhibit drainage.
5) Change Orders: When changes to the scope of work are implemented upon agreement by the architect, homeowner and contractor or subcontractors. Change orders are common to most projects, and very common with large projects.A Change Order is work that is added to or deleted from the original scope of work of a contract, which alters the original contract amount or completion date.
Common causes for change orders to be created are:
- The project's work was incorrectly estimated
- The customer or project team discovers obstacles or possible efficiencies that require them to deviate from the original plan
- The customer or project team are inefficient or incapable of completing their required deliverables within budget, and additional money, time, or resources must be added to the project
- During the course of the project, additional features or options are perceived and requested.
Soft Costs are slightly more flexible items including the costs associated with your design work, the finishes chosen, appliances, and the like. These costs also include permits and fees, which can change, off-site improvements such as sidewalks & traffic lights, and equipment such as security systems, sound systems, etc.
There is always a cost range which correlates with the products and materials chose to work with. For exapmle, choosing Green building products or high end appliances will add to the cost of your project. Here on the Peninsula, a good cost range rule of thumb is anywhere from $200/square foot and up.
Knowing the hard costs and then budgeting for soft costs will help you understand the feasibilty of your ideas as well as allow you to identify your project's priorities, recognize trad-offs, and revise your estimates.
Incandescents are the light bulbs we have always known, and with all due respect to the old stand-by, they are very wasteful. Incandescents bulbs use most of the electricity they draw to emit heat. They also don't last very long, requiring constant replacement, as well as generating trash. For a long time, one could argue that energy efficient bulbs cost too much, and continued buying incandescents to save money. But that is quickly changing. Energy efficient light bulbs are less costly than ever, they provide superior light quality, and pay for themselves in energy savings and reduced need for replacement.
Options:
You will be glad to know that moving to efficient bulbs has never been easier. LED lights (Light Emitting Diodes), are increasingly affordable and flexible. These efficient and technologically superior lights will likely be the choice of the future. In the meantime, CFL's (compact florescent lights), are meeting the immediate need for energy efficiency. CFL's are designed to fit into the same light sockets as incandescent bulbs, and they have come a long way from the CFL's of the past. Many emit the warm light we prefer in our homes. In fact, some experts compare the soft warm light opf CFL's to morning sunlight. Again, they can be used anywhere to replace a traditional incandescent. They last a long time, and they are a very easy way to save money on your untility bill. In addition to indoor spiral bulbs, CFL's are available in the tradtional bulb shape, as well as reflectors.
CFL Bulbs:
The base of a CFL bulb is a ballast that generates an electric charge which flows through the gas-filled tube. Those gases emit UV, which activiates a phosphor coating inside the tube, resulting in visible light. This chemical process creates a lot of light but very little heat. When buying CFL's, make sure to always look for the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) symbol to ensure the ballasts of the bulbs have been properly fireproofed.
LED Bulbs:
As mentioned above, LED stands for "light emitting diode". LED lights don't have a filament to burn out and don't create much heat, which accounts for their long life spans. They also use a fraction of the elctricity used by incandescents. LED's may definitley be the future of energy efficient lighting. Already they are the most efficient on the market. While still expensive, pricing has been dropping over the past decade. The demand for high efficiency lighting has also spurred development of newer, cheaper materials in their manufacturing process.