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Deciding on a standard or a tankless water heater

Whether you’re building a new home or completing a home improvement project, you’ll eventually need a new water heater. That decision used to be relatively straightforward: there were tank water heaters available in gas and electric configurations, and that was that. However, with tankless systems now becoming more prominent in the market, deciding on that new water heater is more complicated. In this article, we’ll address the pros and cons of each type and identify the system that’s best for your home and budget.

All about tankless water heaters

Tankless water heaters, also known as “demand-type water heaters,” represent the cutting-edge in water heater technology, and they’re an increasingly popular option for homeowners looking for an energy-smart, convenient upgrade to their home. These systems are more energy-efficient than tank water heaters: since they only heat water as it’s needed, there’s little energy wasted keeping water warm over sustained periods of time. Over the years, this can add up to major savings for homeowners, especially when you consider that tankless systems can last twice as long as standard water heaters.

Of course, the most famous upside of tankless water heaters is the unlimited hot water. Any homeowner with a large family knows the cold consequences of being the last one to take a shower. That’s because continuous use exhausted the pre-heated supply in a tank water heater. Since tankless systems heat water as it runs through the unit, they eliminate that problem entirely.

As tank water heaters near the end of their lives, there’s a risk that corrosion inside the tank could cause a tank burst—an event with the potential to cause major water damage in your home. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, do not carry this risk.

Whole-home or one for each room?

Most tankless water heaters are capable of providing hot water to your entire home. However, it’s also possible to “zone” your demand-type water heaters, putting them under sinks and behind showers. This means that you can have near-instantaneous, unlimited hot water at that tap specifically. Whole-home tankless water heaters are limited in their ability to provide hot water to multiple taps, appliances, and faucets simultaneously. By zoning your systems, you won’t have this disadvantage.

Standard water heaters

Tank water heaters, also known as “standard water heaters,” have been a reliable staple of the American home for more than a century. Most homes today still use a standard water heater, and for several good reasons. First, most homes are configured for them. Even though these systems do take up space, many homes have reserved space in the garage, a utility closet, or elsewhere in the home for a water heater, complete with all the needed connections.

Second, these water heaters make up for their capped total hot water supply by being able to provide hot water in large quantities simultaneously. With a tank water heater, you can run your dishwasher, washing machine, and shower at the same time. Since tankless systems heat water as its needed, the total water required at once in such a scenario would probably exceed the demand-type water heater’s ability to keep up.

Comparing performance and costs

Tankless water heaters are the more energy-efficient of your two choices. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, demand-type water heaters use as much as 30% less energy than standard water heaters. When you consider that heating water is the second-largest chunk of energy spent in your home (14%), this can add up to big savings on your monthly utility bills. These savings are even greater with a gas setup, if your home has that option. Gas water heaters run more efficient than electric ones do.

At this point, you may very well be asking yourself why you should consider a standard water heater at all. Well, here’s one thing to consider: tankless systems can cost anywhere from 2-3 times of what a tank water heater typically does. You’ll earn back some of that additional upfront cost in your lower energy bills over the lifespan of the system, and there’s a good chance your tankless unit could outlive two standard ones, but the higher initial investment is something to weigh against the otherwise outstanding benefits of demand-type units. Also, no matter which type of water heater you’re looking at, most gas systems cost more than their electric counterparts.

Which is right for your home?

This answer comes down to a few key factors. If you’re planning on staying in your home for the long haul, you’ll get the most out of the energy savings offered by a tankless water heater. A demand-type system might also make sense if you have a large family and you’re all sick of running out of hot water in the mornings. On the other hand, a standard water heater might be a better fit for your budget. If you’re planning on moving in the very near future, a tankless water heater represents an investment you may not be around to see the long-term returns on.

Better yet, talk to a trusted local plumbing contractor. They’ll be able to make an individualized recommendation that takes into account your home, your local energy costs, and any energy-efficiency upgrade rebates in your area. Plus, once you’ve made your decision, you’ll have a team ready to install your new water heater—no matter which one you choose.

Victoria Sanders is the communications director and plumbing writer at Reimer Home Services , a professional home repair & plumbing company servicing Western New York. Victoria has been working within the home repair & plumbing industry for almost 15 years and enjoys sharing her plumbing knowledge with homeowners and other home repair professionals.

How to Use Summer to Get Your Home Ready for Next Winter

There’s an old joke that an innkeeper explains his guest’s leaky roof by saying, “When it’s raining, I can’t fix it, and when it’s not, I don’t need to.” Summer is the time when you don’t need winterization, but it’s the best time to do it. Temperatures are warmer, there’s no snow and ice, and there is plenty of time to get professional help if you find out you need it. Here are some things you should be crossing off your to-do list well ahead of the first flakes.

Add Some Insulation

Winter typically has two memorable parts: Bad weather and high utility bills. You can’t control the weather, but you can certainly prepare your home to handle it the best you can. A very common step is to add some insulation in the attic. Summer mornings are typically cool enough to make the job bearable, and the payoff will be evident with your first winter heating bill.

Improve Runoff

A dribbling gutter or slow downspout may not be a big problem during warm weather, but cold temps could cause icy patches or clogs that could create a slippery mess when temperatures drop below freezing. During a summer rainstorm, see if there are any problems with water accumulating on sidewalks, porches, or driveways, and resolve them while it’s warm out.

Prepare Your HVAC

An efficient heating and cooling system uses less energy to maintain a comfortable temperature. Key to that good performance is getting the unit service. Have your contractor give the system a thorough inspection and cleaning, and do it during warm weather when you can go without it for a few days if repairs are needed. Your contractor won’t be as busy then either.

Get Heating Oil

The innkeeper didn’t need fuel oil in the summer either, but he should have known that’s usually a cheaper time to buy it. If you call a local company, like Cash Oil, and have them get your tank filled during the summer months, you’ll not only save some money but you’ll also be prepared if a surprise early cold snap hits. And just like your HVAC technician, you’ll get faster service, too.

After a rough winter, the last thing we want to spend the summer doing is thinking about cold weather. But if you’ll invest a little time in some upgrades while the weather permits it, you’ll find yourself safer and financially better off as the north winds begin to howl.

10 Rental Apartment Decorating Tips

The fact of the matter is – more and more people are turning to renting than owning their own property. Renting is especially popular among younger age groups. However, when renting an apartment, there’s not too much you can do to make it your own. In fact, one of the things that is most tricky about renting is making the place seem like home while also not losing that deposit. Any major changes in a rental apartment are definitely not allowed. But, you can still customize your new home with these 10 rental apartment decorating tips.

Color on the walls is a must

The walls in a rental apartment are usually quite dull. This is mostly because they need to be neutral to appeal to everyone. Therefore, one of the best ways of personalizing your home is to add a splash of color to the walls. However, there’s a catch. You first have to check with your landlord and see whether you can change the color. Most landlords will be okay with the idea. If you’re not too keen on painting, you can always try out removable wallpaper. There are plenty of designs you can choose. Also, it’s a better option if you end up disliking the pattern or color for some reason.

Ladder next to a green wall
Add a splash of color to your walls

Add curtains as a personal touch

When you’re decorating a rental apartment, you’re looking to find a balance between your style and what is allowed. Believe it or not, curtains can help you immensely! They are easy to hang and easy to take off. And you can choose various colors, different patterns, even length. Go for long curtains if you want to make the illusion of high ceilings. There are so many options, and curtains can give your rental apartment the pizzazz it needs!

Get some rugs

Rugs are a perfect way to make your new place cozy and personal. You can place them in any room in the apartment. Again, this comes down to choice and there are truly many, many options. You can choose size, color, and pattern. Also, you can match them with the walls or other decorations in the apartment. For instance, if your walls are neutral, place a bold-colored rug in that room.

Store what you can’t hide

If something simply doesn’t work with your imagined space, it’s sometimes easier to use storage units. That way, you’ll have a place to put everything that you don’t need and don’t want to see in a safe space. Go to mastermovingguide.com and explore their storage options. You can choose the size of the storage unit that you need at an affordable price. The best part is – you don’t have to worry about keeping things in your rental apartment that you simply don’t want there.

Rearrange the furniture from time to time

You wouldn’t believe how different a room seems with such a simple shift. Simply moving the sofa to the right and the table to the left can mean a lot when you’re decorating your rental apartment. Take a good look at the rooms and try to imagine how it would look like before you move the furniture.

Sofa and a table in front of a window
Rearrange the furniture from time to time

Also, if you’re taking your own furniture to a rental apartment that’s not furnished, it’s good to go and visit it once again before you move. That way, you’re able to envision where your furniture could go best. And then you can tell the movers directly where to put the furniture.

Upgrade the bathroom

There are plenty of things you can do to change up the bathroom in your rental apartment. Buy new bath accessories like shower mats and curtains. Get a new soap dispenser and even new bath towels. If you want to break the monotony of the bathroom tiles, you can use some tile tattoos. These are fairly cheap upgrades that you can customize to your heart’s desire.

With the approval of the landlord, you can even change the fixtures in the bathroom. Replace old faucets, towel racks, the shower head, and even the sink if the landlord allows it. This will go a long way to improve the appearance of the bathroom.

Spruce up the kitchen

Again, as with the bathroom, you can change the fixtures for a cleaner look. That is one of the most efficient kitchen updates for your new rental apartment. You can also buy kitchen accessories in various colors. This will definitely spruce up your new kitchen.

Add plants

A few plants go a long way. There are so many different types of house plants and they do look incredibly lovely. If you have a green thumb, try to put a few plants here and there, see if it’s a good look. This will make your rental apartment feel truly like home. Of course, you can also put flowers in a vase at the kitchen/dining room table. This is yet another touch that can truly mean a lot.

Plant in black pot on a table
A plant or two can make a ton of difference

Use your hobbies as artwork

When we think of hobbies, our mind usually goes straight to clutter. After all, almost every hobby has some equipment, and that translates into junk that you don’t know where to put. However, if you simply think it through, you’d realize that you can use that to your advantage when you’re decorating your rental apartment. For instance, if you surf, you can hang the surfboard on the wall, or even simply lean it on the wall for a more modern look. If you travel a lot, put framed photos from your travels on the wall or on shelves. Try to incorporate the things you love into the décor of the apartment.

Hang shelves

Aside from being great for storage, wall shelves are also incredibly useful for decorating. You can put plants there, pictures, even books and lamps, and it will still look wonderful. Also, if you’re feeling a bit daring, you can choose shelves in a bold color, especially if the walls are painted in a neutral color. Simply have fun and make your rental apartment truly yours!

Remodeling Your Kitchen? 4 Ways to Appeal to Your Modern Sensibilities

If you want to give your kitchen a modern makeover, there are some additions that you can include with your design that will help you create a more contemporary space. Having a more modern kitchen is a great way to boost your enthusiasm about preparing meals for you and your family. Here are four contemporary kitchen additions that will appeal to your modern sensibilities.

Muted Green Accents

Adding some muted green accents will help make your kitchen more appealing to the eye. These accents can be used to create a setting that looks more luxurious and modern. Your kitchen will also look like an eco-friendlier space with the muted green. You can have cabinet drawers with muted green coloring installed in your kitchen. A muted green cutting board and other kitchen utensils can further enhance the room.

Dark Wood Floor

To give your modern kitchen a cozier, more inviting feel, try putting in a dark wood floor. Dark bamboo and maple are popular flooring materials that are noted for both their style and durability. Other good flooring material options include cherry, oak, and walnut. A dark stain can give your floor an even more sophisticated and modern look while helping to protect the material from scratches and other damage.

Modern Lighting

Contemporary light fixtures will make your kitchen more up-to-date with the current times. Pendant light fixtures can work especially well if your kitchen and dining room are seamlessly connected to one another. Track and recessed lighting are also effective in modernizing kitchens. Using energy-efficient bulbs that emit soft lighting that’s easy on the eyes but still allows enough visibility to cook and clean can give your kitchen even more modern appeal.

Stone Backsplash

Instead of installing a glass or tile backsplash, you can add a backsplash made of stone to accentuate your modern kitchen. In addition to looking nice, a stone backsplash can protect your wall from water damage that sometimes results when water from the kitchen sink splashes against it. The best stone kitchen splashbacks are easy to clean and are highly durable for the long term. Some companies that sell these types of backsplash also offer warranties that cover chip, crack, and stain repairs.

Creating the modern kitchen of your dreams is possible with the right enhancements. These additions can help give your home a more up-to-date ambience and allow you to live in a more contemporary setting.

Aging House? 4 Ways to Update Your Home’s Exterior

Is your home looking a little tired? It happens, especially with older homes. Mother Nature just has a way of beating up every surface on the exterior of your home. And, over time, all of that abuse will start to show. Here are four ways to put some pizzazz back into your home’s curb appeal.

Paint

You can drastically change the look of your home’s exterior by painting. And, almost any exterior surface can be painted.

  • Wood: Whether your entire home’s exterior is wood or just the trim around the windows and doors, you can spruce it up with a fresh coat of paint. And, you can play around with some colors to create a new and different look for your home.
  • Siding: You can also paint your siding, regardless of what it’s constructed of.
  • Brick: Painted brick is a very attractive exterior enhancement for your home. It’s also an affordable method of covering bricks if they aren’t in the best shape.

New Windows

Another great way to update the look of your home’s exterior is with new windows, especially if you have older, wood windows where the caulk or the integrity of the wood is compromised. Window replacement will not only make your home look more beautiful, but it will actually save you money in the long run. With the reduction in utility bills, they will quickly pay for themselves.

Siding and Shutters

You can also completely resurface the exterior of your home with new siding and shutters. There are so many different colors, designs, and materials that you can actually create an entirely different look your home.

Landscaping

A big part of your home’s curb appeal is the landscaping. Step back and take a good look. Think about these areas to make your home’s exterior look fresh and updated.

  • Are there any overgrown shrubs? They can be very unsightly.
  • Do you have trees and bushes covering the windows or other parts of your home? Clean and crisp always looks better.
  • An overall tidy, green lawn is always a win for curb appeal.
  • You could also highlight certain attractive features of your home with flowers or gardens. There are many options out there for adding some zing to your landscaping.

These are just a few ways that you can update your home’s exterior. Keeping your home’s exterior looking great not only makes it a more comfortable and enjoyable home for you and your family, it also increases the value of your home. And, it’s so much nicer to come home to a beautiful house.

Live in Your Dream Home: 4 Ways to Make Your House More Luxurious

While a new coat of paint is guaranteed to spruce up your home, sometimes it’s just not enough to turn that old ranch or Cape into something you’d see on HGTV. You need bigger and splashier upgrades, dream-house touches that will forever transform your home. Here are four ways to make your home more luxurious.

Add a Touch of Tile

A little tile goes a long way. Whether it’s a subway tile backsplash in the kitchen or colorful, Southwest-influenced mosaic work in the bathroom, tile can make any room feel luxurious, transforming a plain space into a signature location. While tile patterns like chevron and herringbone are timeless, there are styles for every taste. More importantly, adding a touch of tile can be a DIY weekend project.

Add Resort-like Amenities

While covered tennis courts or a home movie theater might not be in the budget, amenities like a wine room or swimming pool are more practical. Pool construction will make your home feel like a swanky, five star resort. Add a red felt pool table and game room and, well, now you have an all-inclusive resort.

Let There Be Light

Adding or upgrading lamps and light fixtures is an easy way to make your home more luxurious. If sustainable renovations are your thing, consider incorporating LEDs; these types of lights work best with track and recessed lighting. Another sustainable option is a sun tunnel. Similar to a skylight, sun tunnels are the newest trend in natural lighting. In addition, consider installing dimmers. Dimmers will enable you to control the ambiance of your home. And don’t shy away from a big, beautify light fixture. A chandelier has serious wow factor.

Furniture and Décor

From sleek and modern to distressed and rustic, there are all types of ways to dress up your home so that it looks luxurious. Make sure that the furniture and décor match. In other words, don’t pair Mid-Century furniture with those 1970s beaded lamps that you can’t seem to part with. Moreover, you don’t need to spend a fortune on furniture and décor to make your home look luxurious. If you’re fond of the vintage look, consider reclaimed furniture. Upcycling is one of the hottest trends in home décor.

Diversity is the first step towards luxury. Whether big or small, renovations and upgrades can turn your home into a dream home.

Stay Cool This Summer: 4 Home Updates to Make This Year

As the weather starts to warm up, it’s only a matter of time before summer arrives. If you’re trying to cut down on your AC use this coming year, there are a few alternatives you can try for cooling your home. Read on for four ways to cool your home this summer.

Install Heat-Reflective Window Film

Heat-reflective window film is an easy way to update your home to keep you cooler. Installing this almost invisible film helps to cool your home by rejecting 57% of all solar energy. Instead of allowing the summer sun to steadily stream in through the windows and heat up your home, installing this film is a quick DIY project that you’ll really feel pay off.

Use a Ceiling Fan

While ceiling fans aren’t an innovative way to keep cool, they are quite effective. If you don’t have any ceiling fans in your home, consider installing them before summer arrives. Ceiling fans help to save money as they use 60 watts of energy while AC’s use about 2000 watts.

Additionally, the ceiling fan helps to provide a consistent and constant breeze. While your air conditioner blows cold air (hopefully), your fan actually allows for the constant flow of air throughout your home. In the event that your AC isn’t working effectively, you’ll be able to turn your fan on and enjoy the cooler air.

Add Shutters to Your Windows

Aluminum shutters are another update to add to your home to keep you cooler in the summer months. While these shutters are on the exterior of your home, they are an effective way to add shade to your home. During the day when the sun is its hottest and brightest, close your shutters. This will significantly reduce the amount of sunlight coming into the windows, ultimately making your home feel cooler.

Seal Your Windows and Doors

To make sure your home is as cool as possible during the summer, you’ll want to make sure you aren’t letting cold air escape. While running your air conditioning is a quick way to cool down, if you have cracks around your windows or in the walls, you’re not efficiently cooling your home. Before summer hits, go around the home to make sure all of your windows, walls, and doors are properly sealed. This way, you’ll be able to make the most of running your air conditioner.

With these tips, you don’t have to blast the AC this summer to stay cool. Keep these four ideas in mind to make sure you keep the heat away, even on the hottest days of the year.

Individual Style: 4 Ways to Personalize Your Home

Individual Style 4 Ways to Personalize Your Home

Your home is where you spend most of your time, so it should reflect your personality. From construction to furniture, there are many ways to make your home unique; the ones you choose will help showcase your personal taste.

Choose Your Colors

Color is an easy way to add life and personality to any home. As you begin your home design process, start by choosing a color palette. Select a few shades that you absolutely love. You can then use color theory or an automatic color palette generator to find more colors that match your palette.

Once you have a list of 5 to 10 shades that go together, use this palette throughout your entire design process. From paint to furniture to decorative throw pillows, a matching color scheme will fill your home with personality.

Show off Your Hobby

If you have a hobby that you love dearly, incorporate it into your home design. Hang bike racks in your mud room or choose an ocean motif that shows off your love for boating. Select wall art that fits your theme, and put the tools of your trade proudly on display. The things you love to do have a huge impact on your personality; your home should reflect them.

Redo Your Walls and Floors

When you purchased your home, you may not have been in love with every detail. Just because the last tenant had a love for shag carpet doesn’t mean you need to live with their decision. Personalize your home by repainting the walls and putting in new flooring. Many floor installation services will help you choose a material that’s easy to maintain and looks amazing. You might be surprised at how easily new floorboards can make your home feel brand new.

Consider Your Exterior

The outside of your home is the part that most people see. It’s also the first thing you see when you come home for the day. If you feel like your home doesn’t have personality, it might be time for an exterior paint job.

If your home is themed around a specific color palette, consider using those same colors on the outside. Choose lighter, more muted versions that won’t fade as easily in the sunlight. Add a few plants that match your theme, and soon the outside of your home will be just as beautiful as the inside.

Customizing your home is a process that takes time and careful consideration. Take each step slowly and make sure each change moves you towards your end goal. Before you know it, your home will be simply brimming with personality.

Automate Your Life: 4 Technologies to Make Your Home Smarter

The smart home of the future that you grew up watching on Saturday morning cartoons is now becoming a reality. Although we’re still waiting for robot maids and flying cars, the following four futuristic technologies can make your home smarter today.

A Smarter Thermostat

How many times have you arrived at work and realized that you forgot to turn the thermostat down before you left home? A smart thermostat eliminates this problem by allowing you to adjust temperature settings anywhere from an app on your phone. These high-tech thermostats can also be programmed to adjust the temperature automatically, and some even learn your preferences. A smart thermostat quickly pays for itself by reducing energy usage.

A Smarter Vacuum Cleaner

Nobody loves to vacuum floors. Thanks to the robotic vacuum cleaner, you no longer have to. The newest robot vacuums utilize a Wi-Fi connection and smart apps to employ a ton of useful new features. These machines can detect dirty areas, easily maneuver around furniture, and automatically return to a charging station when not in use. Use your phone to control your robot vacuum from the couch or set it up so it automatically does its thing while you’re out of the house.

A Smarter Lightbulb

The humble lightbulb has come a long way since the days of Thomas Edison. Long-lasting, energy-sipping LED bulbs are quickly gaining popularity, and smart lightbulbs are the most advanced type on the market. Smart bulbs are available with a variety of styles and features. The most basic types allow for simple adjustments of brightness and color. More advanced bulbs can be synced to your television for perfect entertainment lighting or use GPS to turn the lights on when you arrive home.

A Smarter Fridge

Smart refrigerators take the kitchen dry-erase board to a new level. A smart fridge’s touch screen combines grocery lists, messaging, and internet browsing, but there is more to this technology than just a screen. A smart fridge can show you what’s inside without opening the door and give you a remote view via your phone when you’re at the grocery store. All this is made possible by printed circuit board technologies like multilayer and rigid flex circuit boards.

Whether you go big or small, adding smart technologies can save both time and money. Check with your utility company to see if they offer rebates for energy-saving improvements like smart thermostats and lightbulbs. Your smart upgrade may cost little or nothing.

Heart of the Home: 4 Projects to Include in Your Kitchen Renovation

Heart of the Home 4 Projects to Include in Your Kitchen Renovation

For many families, the kitchen is one of the most-used rooms in the house. Not only is it the place where large meals are cooked for the entire family to enjoy, but it’s also where the snacks and treats are sought. A lot of socialization happens in and around the kitchen. As a result, many homeowners choose to renovate their kitchen in order for it to match all of their needs. If you’re considering performing that renovation, here are four projects that your plan shouldn’t be without.

New Cabinets

How old are your cabinets? They’ve probably quite dated at this point. With interior design changing every few years, you can be sure that the cabinets you have in your home have likely fallen by the wayside. One incredibly easy way to fresh up the look in your kitchen is to simply replace the cabinets. They can add more storage and can either brighten the room or make it look more modern.

Countertops

Your next project should be your countertops. For one, you can’t be too sure just how clean they are after the extended use they’ve had. Replacing them is just a good idea in general for sanitary reasons. Countertops are also a great way to change the appearance and aesthetic of your kitchen. You should try and stay away from tiled countertops and instead go for seamless ones to prevent bacteria from building up in the cracks.

Adding an Island

If your kitchen just needs a little more preparation space, then you should consider having an island installed. While it doesn’t always work for every kitchen, even just a single unit-island can offer additional space for food preparation. If you cook large meals, then an island is going to become your best friend.

Flooring

With every renovation, you need to consider the flooring. Again, the age of the flooring should be considered. You should also opt for a flooring option that is resistant to staining and wear-and-tear since the kitchen is one of the most traffic-heavy areas of your home. In addition, you should consider flooring options that go well with your cabinets and countertops to bring the entire aesthetic together.

Kitchen renovations can quickly turn into nightmares without a plan into place. These four projects can offer you direction when you start to plan your renovation. By completing these projects, your kitchen will look brand new in no time. If you plan on doing the bulk of your work by yourself, be sure to look up emergency plumbing and electrical services ahead of time just in case something goes wrong.

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