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  Selecting a New Water Heater

  When selecting a new water heater for your home, choose a water

  heating system that will not only provide enough hot water but also

  that will do so energy efficiently, saving you money. This includes

  considering the different types of water heaters available and

  determining the right size and fuel source for your home. Check out

  the Energy Saver 101: Water Heating infographic to learn more

  about the different types of water heaters and how to select the

  right model for your home.

  Types of Water Heaters

  It’s a good idea to know the different types of water heaters

  available before you purchase one:

   Conventional storage water heaters offer a ready

  reservoir (storage tank) of hot water

   Tankless or demand–type water heaters heat water

  directly without the use of a storage tank

   Heat pump water heaters move heat from one place to

  another instead of generating heat directly for providing hot

  water

   Solar water heaters use the sun’s heat to provide hot

  water

   Tankless coil and indirect water heaters use a home’s

  space heating system to heat water

  Selection Criteria

  When selecting the best type and model of water heater for your

  home, consider the following:

   Fuel type, availability and cost. The fuel type or energy

  source you use for water heating will not only affect the

  water heater’s annual operation costs but also its size and

  energy efficiency. See below for more on selecting fuel

  types.

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   Size. To provide your household with enough hot water

  and to maximize efficiency, you need a properly sized water

  heater. Visit the pages on different types of water heaters

  (linked above) for more on sizing.

   Energy efficiency. To maximize your energy and cost

  savings, you want to know how energy efficient a water

  heater is before you purchase it. Visit the pages on different

  types of water heaters (linked above) for more on estimating

  energy efficiency.

   Costs. Before you purchase a water heater, it’s also a

  good idea to estimate its annual operating costs and

  compare those costs with other less or more energy-efficient

  models.

  Also be sure to do what you can to reduce your hot water use. You

  may also want to explore other strategies such as drain–water heat

  recovery to save money on your water heating bill.

  Fuel Types, Availability and Costs for Water Heating

  When selecting a new water heater, it’s important to consider what

  fuel type or energy source you will use, including its availability and

  cost. The fuel used by a water heating system will not only

  affect annual operation costs but also the water heater’s size and

  energy efficiency.

  Exploring Water Heater Options by Fuel Type

  Fuel type and its availability in your area may narrow your water

  heater choices. The following is a list of water heater options by fuel

  or energy source:

   Electricity

  Widely available in the United States to fuel conventional

  storage, tankless or demand-type, and heat pump water

  heaters. It also can be used with combination water and

  space heating systems, which include tankless coil and

  indirect water heaters.

  SOURCE: Energy.gov  /  https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/water-heating/selecting-new-water-heater

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  How Often to Change Your Filter

  We recommend replacing the Sub–Micron Post–Filter every 9 to 12 months.

  How Can I Remember to Replace My Filters?

  If you have trouble remembering to order new filters or change them out, try the following tips:

  1. Mark it on the calendar. Add a note on your calendar to change your filter and purchase new

  filters based on the above timelines. For online calendars, such as Outlook or Google Calendar,

  setting a recurring event on your calendar is a great way to keep reminding yourself.

  2. Buy multiple filter replacements at one time. By purchasing your filter refills in bulk, you will

  always have one on hand for quick replacement. We sell our Sediment Pre-Filter replacements in

  packs of four for added convenience.

  3. Coordinate with other maintenance around your home. Pairing several tasks together can

  make it easier to remember. For example, if you are already in the habit of changing your air

  conditioning filter every few months, start changing your Sediment Pre-Filter at the same time.

  Whole house water filters are low-maintenance workhorses but they do require some upkeep. By

  following these simple filter replacement recommendations, your whole house water filter will keep

  your water clean and safe for many years.

  Source: http://filterbutler.com/blog/how-often-should-i-change-the-water-filter/

From our family here at Knieses Plumbing to yours,

…have a SAFE and HAPPY NEW YEARS

Your kitchen remodel is a big investment in time and money. Getting the design you love, flooring you adore, ordering gorgeous cabinets, flawlesstiles and finally, choosing a contractor, is very exciting.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t end there. A number of things can go wrong, especially when it comes to kitchen plumbing, gas and electricity. Here are some basic plumbing issues you should consider.

Firstly, if you keep the layout of your new kitchen similar to the existing one, this will reduce a lot of work. Even so, in most cases some rerouting of utilities is required.

Secondly, make sure you locate all the plumbing pipes and gas lines in your kitchen before demolition day. Your plumber can easily locate these and check their condition. Its best to do this before you start your kitchen remodel. You should know whether they are faulty, need replacing or no longer comply with the current code. Not knowing before Demo Day could set your renovation back in time and money.

If they don’t comply with current codes it means you can’t install your stove and sink. Ignore these codes or take short cuts, and your kitchen may not pass inspection, leaving you with a stale mate. A ‘fail’ in your inspection means the project will be at a standstill, until they are fixed and comply. How many weeks can you or your family go without a kitchen?

Secondly, if you live in an older home, chances are you have galvanized pipes. These can clog easily and deteriorate over time. Replacing them with newer pipes is one of the best things you can do for your new kitchen. Doing this while your new kitchen is being built gives you access to your pipes without worrying about damaging walls or cabinets. Replacing these any other time is expensive, so it’s a bonus.

Plumbing Tips:

• To reduce sink and dishwasher installation costs, place them close together so they can share hot and cold water supplies. Do you need a new water system? Start with a water heater maintenancecheck to work out if you existing system will cope with the demands of your new kitchen

• Existing plumbing on exterior walls should be moved inside to avoid freezing during cold weather.
• New or existing refrigerators with an ice or water dispenser also need a water source.
• Consider the layout of the current wastepipesin your new floor plan.
• Think greenand durable. Use quality materials and finishes that have the least negative impact on the environment. There are more energy efficient appliances and water-efficient taps available and the prices and quality are constantly improving. Choosing these will save electricity, water, and future replacement costs.

You want your kitchen remodel to go smoothly. The best way for that to happen is to plan. The more planning you do, the easier the renovation. A good renovation adds so much value to your home and lifestyle. You might only remodel your kitchen once or twice. Make your remodeling decisions to be the right ones.

By spending time, money and planning in the right areas, you will create a kitchen you can enjoy for years to come.

SOURCE: Decorated Life  https://decoratedlife.com/basic-plumbing-issues-with-your-kitchen-remodel/