GainSpan and Our Home Spaces Partner to Bring to Market a Wi-Fi(R) Enabled Smart Plug

GainSpan ® Corporation, a leading developer of ultra-low power embedded Wi-Fi solutions, and Our Home Spaces , supplier of energy management solutions for homeowners and developer of cloud based energy management systems, have partnered to bring a Wi-Fi-Smart Plug to market to be used for load shedding of appliances, hot water heaters as well as for control of lighting. GainSpan's GS1011M Wi-Fi module is used by the Our Home Spaces (OHS) Smart Plug allowing users to remotely control it using Wi-Fi.

A demonstration of the Wi-Fi Smart Plug using OpenADR can be seen at the Wi-Fi Smart Energy Forum, underway this week at the Hyatt Regency Chicago O'Hare and hosted by the Wi-Fi Alliance®. The demonstration showcases the viability of IP-based networks and devices for the support of standard based Smart Energy applications.The SP-100 supports a motion or light sensor to provide a trigger to enable power to the appliance. The unit supports NTP sync to maintain downloaded schedules associated with control of the attached appliances.About Our Home Spaces Our Home Spaces (OHS) is a leader cloud based energy management system for Wi-Fi enabled edge devices for the light commercial and residential markets. OHS enables users to control, collect and optimize their devices for energy, convenient and comfort. The OHS eco system focuses on using energy measurement and communications to address a users "Total Cost of Ownership" by empowering greater energy user optimization, reducing capital equipment costs through device management, lower operational cost through convenience and leveraging Wi-Fi for conditioned based maintenance. OHS provides iPhone applications, iPad and graphical portals for users to control and visual their energy's actionable data. The OHS solution is based on using existing infrastructure and user devices, providing a very cost effective method to introduce energy analytics into a home or enterprise. OHS is based in Novato, CA. www.ourhomespaces.comThe OHS 110V/15 amp Wi-Fi Smart Plug measures energy to an accuracy of .1%. Additional parameters associated with instantaneous power measure and power factor allow the product to not only measure energy usage at the edge device, but also monitor power quality and power factor, allowing advanced analytics to optimize appliance maintenance and life cycle. The OHS direct load controller, a derivative of the SP-100, is an extremely versatile in line product that has been adapted to 220 V /20 amp appliances and 277 lighting fixtures.There are other ways to stay up-to-date on GainSpan: GainSpan on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/gainspan GainSpan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/gainspan GainSpan on LinkedIn at: http://www.linkedin.com/company/30858"The collaboration between our two companies has made it possible to develop a solution that is not only easy for the consumer to provision and install, but is also highly secure," said Bernard Aboussouan, vice president of marketing, GainSpan. "We plan to extend the availability of low power Wi-Fi technology to appliance and load shedding devices that can be easily installed and controlled locally or remotely through a smartphone, tablet or PC, as well as by utilities."The OpenADR demonstration showed the SP-100 Wi-Fi Smart Plug interacting with utility pricing and event information available through the OpenADR protocol. The OHS firmware stack implements secure OpenADR, supporting utility needs for demand response. The OpenADR Client can be downloaded onto the Smart Plug so that it responds to user-defined DR policy. The Smart Plug securely logs onto the OpenADR DRAS Server, downloads price and event data and responds to the information based on the defined policy.Wi-Fi® and Wi-Fi Alliance® are registered trademarks of the Wi-Fi Alliance. GainSpan® is a registered trademark of GainSpan Corporation.About GainSpan GainSpan is a leading ultra-low power embedded Wi-Fi semiconductor solutions company focused on connecting Things to the Internet, and People to Things. With easy to use system-on-chip (SoC), modules and software, GainSpan enables customers to leverage the large installed base of Wi-Fi access points and smartphones to create new connected embedded products for healthcare, smart energy and control and monitoring in industrial, commercial and residential markets. GainSpan solutions feature an ultra low power SoC that consumes just a few µA of standby current and goes from standby to active mode in just a few ms, ideal for battery operated devices requiring long battery life. The Wi-Fi chip also handles all Wi-Fi functionalities, networking and security stacks, offloading when required the host microcontroller and accelerating wireless device development cycles. GainSpan is based in San Jose, CA, with R&D in Bangalore, India. www.gainspan.com ."Our customer feedback indicates that low power Wi-Fi technology is the communication technology of choice for most users," said Pete Peterson, CTO of OHS. "Wi-Fi is already installed in most homes and businesses; consumers are familiar with it and find it easy to install."About the Wi-Fi Alliance The Wi-Fi Alliance is a global non-profit industry association of hundreds of leading companies devoted to the proliferation of Wi-Fi technology across devices and market segments. With technology development, market building, and regulatory programs, the Wi-Fi Alliance has enabled widespread adoption of Wi-Fi worldwide. www.wi-fi.org .

Media Contact: Carol Felton Communications & PR GainSpan Corporation T | 408-807-3780 Email Contact

Low Tech Water Heaters

Whilst oil heaters are not the cheapest way of heating the home they still have their uses. An oil heater heats the home up by means of convection. The way the heaters are built is by using metal columns that have inner hollow holes allowing the oil to flow around.

Solar power is becoming much more popular today and it is now realistic to install solar power within your home. Many people have a solar panel installed within their home. Some people have a need to keep warm outside, especially if they work outside. They might chops logs for a fire to keep themselves warm.Oil heaters have a way of becoming very hot, but still keeping a low surface temperature. They work by keeping the oil in a liquid phase for a longer time to avoid the use of a high pressure vessel. Oil heating devices are being used less within the home, but there is still a need for them. They tend to be used more for heating a single small room like a bedroom.Heaters are convenient to move around the home and that is why people prefer to use them. The other reason is that gas heaters are not safe for use in the bedroom. This is due to limited oxygen and bad emissions let off from them. Therefore electrically powered heaters like oil and fan are the only choice to use.Some people prefer to use gas central heating, whilst others prefer to have a smaller device that they use to warm smaller rooms. It might work out cheaper in some cases to heat a room with a smaller device, but it should be noted that the rest of the home would be cold. When central heating is used then the whole house gets heated but this can be costly and might not be efficient when only one room is used.Wherever there are heaters being used where children live in the home then an adult should be present. Extreme caution must be taken to avoid burns that can happen very easily. However when the winter comes around we all have a need to be warmer and the only way of doing this is by having proper heating.

Solar power is becoming much more popular today and it is now realistic to install solar power within your home. Many people have a solar panel installed within their home. Some people have a need to keep warm outside, especially if they work outside. They might chops logs for a fire to keep themselves warm.

Author: Andy Guides Jr

When Your Toilet Is On The Blink Who Should You Call?

Many homeowners overlook the many issues that can arise with their plumbing, especially their toilet. Toilets are often ignored, as long as they work properly. But as soon as it backs up, won't flush properly, or won't stop running, it's obvious that your toilet needs proper repairs and maintenance. Unlike water heaters, many simple problems can be fixed by the homeowner.

*** Always wash a full load of laundry. Or be sure to adjust the water level whenever the load is not full.*** Reduce the thermostat setting on your water heater to 120 degrees and when you are going to be away for awhile, set the temperature "vacation" to really save on energy consumption.*** Instead of using your full size oven, try using the microwave or toaster oven whenever possible.*** Try putting like fabrics together so they all finish drying at the same time, and do not over dry your cloths.When your toilet has serious problems, you will need the help of an experienced plumber. Regular flow toilets are often easier to fix yourself than a low flow toilet. Low flow toilets use a mechanism that provides extra pressure to a smaller amount of water, making the bowl flush cleanly while using less water. Most of these toilets use a cylinder in the tank to add pressure to the flush.

If that ball breaks or disconnects from the valve, it may stay open or be unable to refill the tank. Reconnecting or replacing the ball is usually a simple task. However, if the floater breaks or detaches again right away, it is time to call a plumber. If your toilet is releasing bad odors or bubbling in the bowl, has a serious clog or is overflowing, or if the parts in the tank are breaking too quickly, it is time to call a plumbing company. They will be able to properly repair any issues that you can't handle yourself.

Author: Nick Messe

Tips to Save on Electricity

Essentially, there are only two approaches to reducing that monthly utility company payment - reduce energy consumption or produce your own energy. We'll keep getting shocked by large monthly energy bills if we keep purchasing electricity from the power company and throwing it away through sloppy energy habits.

*** Every degree you lower your heater or raise your air conditioner will save on electricity.*** You can hang your clothes on a line and avoid the cost of running your dryer all together.*** When adjusting the temperature in your house, refrain from setting your thermostat extra high or extremely low. An extreme setting won't change your house temperature any faster, and if you forget to reset the thermostat, you could end up wasting energy.If you have water leaking at the base of the heater, then the temperature and pressure relief valve is faulty or has unusual pressure on it. The valve could also be overheating or stuck. The water could also be coming from a nearby pipe that has busted.*** If you have a window installed air conditioner, either cover it or remove it from the window in the off season.You can see your energy bills drop once you implement these easy ideas. These ideas don't take much time and for the most part don't cost anything, and you can begin to save on electricity right away.Alternatively, with just a little work we will begin to see a real drop in our home energy bill. If you really mean to save on electricity, you can take action right way on these ideas to help you stop throwing it away. All of these ideas are free -- there's no need to invest in materials or tools to begin saving.Sometimes the toilet is running constantly and your water bill may double or even triple in one month. The tank contains a valve which lets in fresh water when the tank empties into the bowl. This valve is controlled most often by a small floating ball. When the ball sinks because the water is draining, the valve opens and refills the tank.If the trip lever breaks or comes loose from the handle, the toilet can't flush. The chain runs from the trip lever to the rubber stopper, and can be unhooked from either part during regular use. The rubber stopper rests in the bottom of the tank, and releases the water to flush and refill the bowl at the right time. Luckily all of these parts can be purchased at any hardware store and easily replaced.TIP. . . You can plug several electronic items or appliances into a power strip and turn them off using the switch on the strip. This will cut the power completely without going through the trouble of unplugging everything.HEATING and COOLING.HOME ELECTRONICS.IN THE KITCHEN.*** Even after they are shut off, many household appliance continue to consume power. Computers, VCRs, televisions and kitchen appliances should all be unplugged when not in use to ensure that they stop consuming electricity.*** Always load the dishwasher to full capacity before running it -- this appliance uses the same amount of electricity and water regardless of how many dishes you are washing.� A faulty pilot control valve*** Set your refrigerator to 35-38 degrees Fahrenheit.One very common issue with regular flow toilets occurs when the toilet no longer flushes properly. You may stand there, pushing the flush handle over and over again, but nothing happens. This can be caused by a broken trip lever, a broken or disconnected chain, or a malfunctioning rubber stopper. The trip lever is a small plastic or metal arm that attaches to the flush handle.*** Use fans or high efficiency room air conditioners if you have a big house.John Moore Services has plumbers in Houston who can provide excellent water heater repair in Houston. If you would like to learn more about John Moore Services, call them or log on to www.johnmooreservices.com.*** Before every new load, be sure to clean the lint out of your dryer's lint trap.This can often be adjusted if there is not enough flush pressure by using a dial or crank in the tank. Unlike the relatively simple parts of a regular flow toilet, these mechanisms can be difficult to replace or fix yourself. Like trying to fix your own water heater, you can do more damage by taking it apart and attempting to repair it. This is especially true if you're attempting a fix without the right tools.*** Most lightly soiled clothing cleans up just fine in cold water, so wash in cold water whenever possible to reduce the demand on your water heater.If that ball breaks or disconnects from the valve, it may stay open or be unable to refill the tank. Reconnecting or replacing the ball is usually a simple task. However, if the floater breaks or detaches again right away, it is time to call a plumber. If your toilet is releasing bad odors or bubbling in the bowl, has a serious clog or is overflowing, or if the parts in the tank are breaking too quickly, it is time to call a plumbing company. They will be able to properly repair any issues that you can't handle yourself.*** Open the drapes to let heat into the house in the winter - it�s a great solar powered home energy saver!*** Turn off the lights when not in use.*** The coils on the back of your refrigerator will function better if they are clean, so be sure to vacuum them periodically.*** When it's not in use, close the damper on your fireplace. When your chimney is not in use, be sure to close its damper to ensure that heat does not escape your house.� A problem with the upper electric heating element*** Save on electricity by turning off your central air conditioner and cooling on the rooms that you are using.Also, they should have all the tools they need in their vans. This way they do not waste time by having to go back and forth to their shop to retrieve tools they should have at their disposal. You do not want to wait long to have a new hot water heater.*** Sleep mode on your personal computer saves energy, but your screen saver does not. Adjust your settings to begin saving electricity immediately.*** If possible, be sure to place your refrigerator away from the oven and dishwasher because the heat from these two appliances would only make your refrigerator work that much harder to stay cool.If the water is a rust color, there could be corrosion in the glass lined tank or a sacrificial anode rod that has failed. Some water heaters have that "rotten egg" smell which usually means bacteria has settled in the tank's sediment and it is being fed by hydrogen gas from decay in the sacrificial anode.*** Other items that draw energy even when they are not in use are game consoles, such as Wii or Xbox 360.APPLIANCES.

You can see your energy bills drop once you implement these easy ideas. These ideas don't take much time and for the most part don't cost anything, and you can begin to save on electricity right away.

Author: John P. Joseph

Water Heater Repair an Option When Hot Water Turns Cold

When you step into the shower expecting hot water and you feel cold water instead, the feeling of warmth and relaxation can turn to dismay real quick. If this has happened to you, then you might want to consider water heater repair in Houston. Before you do, there are a few things you can try before picking up the phone and calling a repair company. Turn the power source to the water heater off if you have an electric water heater. If the water heater is gas operated, turn the control to the "Pilot" setting. The problem could lie in one of several areas including:

Make sure the plumber you hire for water heater repair in Houston is licensed and qualified to replace water heaters. It may look simple to replace them, but they actually take a skilled hand to do the job right. When looking for a Houston plumbing company, ask if their plumbers are bonded and insured. This is simply for your own protection.*** You can save energy by allowing the air in your home to circulate as it should, so be sure that your furniture is not blocking any air vents.*** The more you open your refrigerator door the more this appliance needs to work to keep your food cold. Keep the door closed to minimize refrigerator run time.Corrosion also causes problems that require water heater repair in Houston. A good plumber in Houston can tell whether you need to replace your water heater or just need a few repairs. Finding a good plumber in Houston is not hard if you know what to look for when hiring one.*** In locations that get a lot of use, like the kitchen and the bathroom, replace standard light bulbs with CFL light bulbs. These bulbs use much less energy and last as much as 10 times longer so while they cost a bit more on the front end, they will save on electricity over time.*** Always be certain to put a correctly sized pot on the stove top. Using a little pot on a big burner will simply be wasting the heat your stove is producing. Also, heat your content more quickly by placing a lid on your pot.*** Don't pre-wash your dishes by hand. Scrape off the food from your dirty plates and set the dishwasher to pre-rinse.*** Battery charges for the gadgets in your life (such as your cell phone) consume energy even when they are not charging your equipment. Always unplugging the charger from the wall (not just the gadget) will reduce your level of electricity consumption.*** In warm weather, pull the curtains closed to minimize the heat from the sun.

John Moore Services has plumbers in Houston who can provide excellent water heater repair in Houston. If you would like to learn more about John Moore Services, call them or log on to www.johnmooreservices.com.

Author: John Moore

Types of Solar Water Heaters

Types of Solar Water Heaters

Of course, when the power is out, the pump will not work and the system will freeze. To guard against this, a freeze valve can be installed to provide additional protection in the event the pump doesn�t operate. In freezing weather, the valve dribbles warmer water through the collector to prevent freezing.Batch HeatersThese open-loop systems are popular in nonfreezing climates such as Hawaii. They should never be installed in climates that experience freezing temperatures for sustained periods. You can install them in mild but occasionally freezing climates, but you must consider freeze protection.Active systems use electric pumps, valves, and controllers to circulate water or other heat-transfer fluids through the collectors. They are usually more expensive than passive systems but are also more efficient. Active systems are usually easier to retrofit than passive systems because their storagePumps in Active SystemsIf these pipes are well insulated, the warmth from the tank will prevent freezing. Certified systems clearly state the temperature level that can cause damage. In addition, you can install heat tape (electrical plug-in tape to wrap around the pipes to keep them from freezing), insulate exposed pipes, or both.The pumps in solar water heaters have low power requirements, and some companies now include direct current (DC) pumps powered by small solar-electric (photovoltaic, or PV) panels. PV panels convert sunlight into DC electricity. Such systems cost nothing to operate and continue to function during power outages.The procedure of purchasing a water heater can be made effortless with these steps, which can assist you to get one fast. Reading reviews on all brands can help you find one that is of high quality, while checking out sales near you can help you save money. Lastly, checking around for assistance with installation can guarantee that it is put in correctly, helping you get the most out of this vital product.These surfaces absorb sun well but inhibit radiative loss. In climates where freezing occurs, batch heaters must either be protected from freezing or drained for the winter. In welldesigned systems, the most vulnerable components for freezing are the pipes, if located in uninsulated areas, that lead to the solar water heater.Passive SystemsA little do it yourself maintenance and care will go a long way to improving efficiency, which provides energy savings. These home energy saving tips and conservation ideas will also extend the life of your storage tank water heater.1: Consider purchasing a water heater blanket. These blankets are fairly inexpensive, easy to install and provide an extra layer of insulation. A water heater blanket can reduce the cost of water heating by about 10%. So consider wrapping it up.However, glycol antifreeze systems are a bit more expensive to buy and install, and the glycol must be checked each year and changed every 3 to 10 years, depending on glycol quality and system temperatures. Drainback systems use water as the heattransfer fluid in the collector loop. A pump circulates the water through the collectors.tanks do not need to be installed above or close to the collectors. But because they use electricity, they will not function in a power outage. Active systems range in price from about $2,000 to $4,000 installed.Prior to you purchase a new water heater; you must do some research to figure out the finest category to purchase. Think whether you need the usual kind or the tankless type first. You may read product descriptions and reviews to get an idea of the pros and cons of each, or ask friends or family who might know about this type of product. Once you have selected a make, you must read reviews to decide a brand to go with. Be sure to also check out special deals and sales for certain brands so that you can save some money when you buy this product.Remember, heat tape requires electricity, so the combination of freezing weather and a power outage can lead to burst pipes. If you live in an area where freezing is infrequent, you can use plastic pipe that does not crack or burst when it freezes. Keep in mind, though, that some of these pipes can�t withstand unlimited freeze/thaw cycles before they crack.Recirculation systems are a specific type of open-loop system that provide freeze protection. They use the system pump to circulate warm water from storage tanks through collectors and exposed piping when temperatures approach freezing. Consider recirculation systems only where mild freezes occur once or twice a year at most. Activating the freeze protection more frequently wastes electricity and stored heat.2: Insulate the hot water pipes that exit your water heater, especially the first 4 or so feet. Hot water pipe insulators are essentially foam and rubber split tubes that are inexpensive and very easy to install. Don't forget to choose the right size to ensure a firm fit around your pipes.Passive systems move household water or a heat-transfer fluid through the system without pumps. Passive systems have no electric components to break. This makes them generally more reliable, easier to maintain, and possibly longer lasting than active systems.Closed-Loop Active Systemsprotection.Open-Loop Active Systems5 Home Energy Saving Tips For Your Storage Tank Water Heater3: If you have an electric water heater consider installing a automatic timer. They cost anywhere from $35 to $40 and can be set to automatically turn off your water heater when you go to work or sleep. And you can program the timer to turn the water heater on an hour or so before you awake or return home.

Remember, heat tape requires electricity, so the combination of freezing weather and a power outage can lead to burst pipes. If you live in an area where freezing is infrequent, you can use plastic pipe that does not crack or burst when it freezes. Keep in mind, though, that some of these pipes can�t withstand unlimited freeze/thaw cycles before they crack.

Author: Yoni Levy

Mr Rescue Plumbing � Water Heater Installation and Repair Service Provider

If you have a need of new Tank water heater, Make sure you have access to a store that sells these products and contact experts who can install one. There are some simple steps you can take to begin.

To hire best professional for water heater installation and repair in San Jose, you can contact with Mr. Rescue Plumbing and Drain Cleaning. No Over time charge and 24/7 available.Solar water heaters are also characterized as open loop (also called �direct�) or closed loop (also called �indirect�). An open-loop system circulates household (potable) water through the collector. A closed-loop system uses a heat-transfer fluid (water or diluted antifreeze, for example) to collect heat and a heat exchanger to transfer the heat to household water.Open-loop active systems use pumps to circulate household water through the collectors. This design is efficient and lowers operating costs but is not appropriate if your water is hard or acidic because scale and corrosion quickly disable the system.

To hire best professional for water heater installation and repair in San Jose, you can contact with Mr. Rescue Plumbing and Drain Cleaning. No Over time charge and 24/7 available.

Author: Mr rescue

Energy Saving Tips - 5 Home Conservation Ideas - Water Heater

The average homeowner can use these home energy saving tips and conservation ideas to improve the overall energy efficiency of their storage tank water heater and reduce water heating costs. Unfortunately many homeowners don't pay attention to their water heater until it stops working.

The water drains by gravity to the storage tank and heat exchanger; there are no valves to fail. When the pumps are off, the collectors are empty, which assures freeze protection and also allows the system to turn off if the water in the storage tank becomes too hot.Active Systems5: Drain your storage tank once a year. This removes efficiency robbing grime or sediments that eventually build up along the bottom of the tank. This is a fairly straight forward do it yourself project. Contact the manufacture and they can provide detailed step by step instructions.4: If you're going to be away from home for a few days don't forget to turn off your water heater. If it's electric you can simply turn off the proper breaker switch. If it's powered by natural gas, turn off only the water heater and not the natural gas supply to the unit. This will allow you to simply switch the water heater back on without reigniting or relighting the pilot light.These systems pump heat-transfer fluids (usually a glycol-water antifreeze mixture) through collectors. Heat exchangers transfer the heat from the fluid to the household water stored in the tanks. Double-walled heat exchangers prevent contamination of household water. Some codes require double walls when the heattransfer fluid is anything other than household water. Closed-loop glycol systems are popular in areas subject to extended freezing temperatures because they offer good freezeAfter selecting and buying the water heater you need, it is time to get a professional to install it for you. It is possible to do it yourself if you have a little knowledge of how to do it, or a predominantly excellent set of instructions. However, the majority people prefer to hire someone so that they do not have to deal with it, particularly because you do not want to waste the money on this product only to break it during the installation. Check with the shop you bought it from since many stores offer installation for an additional price, although if you spend so much money on the product, a few shops possibly will offer free installation.

5: Drain your storage tank once a year. This removes efficiency robbing grime or sediments that eventually build up along the bottom of the tank. This is a fairly straight forward do it yourself project. Contact the manufacture and they can provide detailed step by step instructions.

Author: Ibrahim Saeed

Consider this when Choosing a High Efficiency Water Heater

A tankless water heater offers money savings and eco-friendly benefits. You can cut your fuel and electric bills by up to 15%! That will add up to hundreds even thousands of dollars throughout the lifetime of the water heater.

The other kind of solar powered water heater you are able to get is definitely an evacuated tube system. These units are a great deal more efficient than flat plate ones, they are also capable of giving off hotter temperatures in comparison with flat plates, and they can also keep water hot a great deal longer too.Insufficient water pressure disables plumbing fixtures like your water heater. If the water heater and the pipes leading directly to and from them are not installed correctly, their efficiency will be compromised and the drainage system will either fail to draw off the waste or else may cause a backflow of waste into an outlet or water line. This is sometimes the main cause of indoor flooding.#1: These things can save you perhaps 33% with regards to your electricity bill each month and more as the government keeps taxing us.

Installing a water heater on your own is an easy task no matter which type of system you decide to purchase. There are a lot of resources online that will give you a step by step instruction of how to install the system yourself. The do-it-yourself approach will save you additional money. You do not need any special plumbing tools or experience to install, however, if you need help with your water heater installation, Thurow Plumbing is the plumber Milwaukee calls for all of its plumbing and water heater installations.

Author: Danny Schlei

Water Heater Fundamentals

Your plumbing is a system of piping that carries water into and out of a building. To protect public health, every inhabited building must have a supply of safe water for drinking and for the operation of the plumbing fixtures (like water heaters) and appliances, and a sanitary drainage system for wastewater disposal.

There are 2 types of solar powered water heaters, and they are flat plate collectors and evacuated tube water heaters.Flat plate collectors are nothing more than a black matte-colored sheet that features a grid of tubing rendering it highly conducive to heat. Basically, all you have to do is look along the back of the refrigerator to get a perception of what these things look like. These things are not connected to the roof nonetheless they can be installed inside the tiling of the roof.Leaks on pipes that connect to your water heater fixtures can either cause low water pressure, water contamination, or no hot water at all. This kind of damage usually calls for plumbers because it�s not like the other plumbing repair methods. Since the system is connected throughout the house, further assessments and measures do need to be taken. With electrically heated tanks, no special connection for the electric wiring is made by the installer as this type of water heater is manufactured complete. But for gas-heated tanks, plumbers will need to work through a gas source with pipes similar to a kitchen gas range.Try Cass Plumbing of Tampa, FL (33624). They provide professional plumbing services for any type of plumbing repair need.The pipes in any home plumbing system are divided into two major parts�the water supply system, and the drainage system. The water supply system is the network of pipes which brings water into the house and to the various fixtures from either a municipal water main or a pump. The water heater is connected to this line. The network of pipes which drains off water and other kinds of waste into a sewer or cesspool is known as the drainage system. Any damage, leak, or clogging of these plumbing systems can cause major problems for your home. When one system fails, expect that both cannot work to serve their daily functions of providing clean water, supporting your water heater system, or disposing of wastes.#4: You won't need to do any fortification of the roof with these types of panels, as they do not usually weigh more than 100-120 pounds, which is pretty mild for something on top of your roof!WATER HEATERS AND PLUMBING

Try Cass Plumbing of Tampa, FL (33624). They provide professional plumbing services for any type of plumbing repair need.

Author: Manny Lontok

Solar Powered Water Heater: Everything You Must Know Before You Construct Your Own!

For those of you scanning this article, a solar powered water heater is definitely an object that uses solar heat, or energy from the sun, to heat water to heat your house. The good thing relating to a solar hot water heater would be that the heat it uses from the sunrays will not be converted into electrical power like solar pv panels, which is good for efficiency along with your electrical power bill every month.

#2: If you purchase one which is built for you, it's going to cost you $1,000-$2,000! However, if you build one yourself, it would likely cost $75-$200, and also you save nearly 1,000% more than if you were to purchase one that may be already built for you personally.An evacuated panel has many glass tubes, so when the sunlight goes through the glass, the copper pipe fluid that is inside will quickly warm. These particular systems are closed off which will keep the movement going.A system of this type will typically be placed on the roof area of the home, allowing the system to take within the warmth of the sunlight and systematically make use of the heat from the sun to heat up the water in your home.High efficiency hot water heaters come in both tank and tankless models. Tankless systems are the most popular because they save space in your home and offer endless supply of hot water. And while that seems like the more appealing option, tank systems have been drastically improved.Before you buy, you want to know how much the new tankless system will save on your monthly bills throughout the year. The best way to figure out the numbers is to go to the Energy Star website.#3: A solar powered water heater lasts you a long time as long as you make sure you build it in accordance to the accurate criteria.The distribution of the hot water throughout the plumbing system is usually accomplished in two ways. The first is the direct or non-circulating system in which the hot-water pipes run directly to the fixtures from the source. The second is the circulating system. This happens in a central pipe which carries the hot water to the general location of the water heaters and an additional pipe which carries unused hot water back to the tank. Water is carried off the central pipe by branches to the water heaters themselves.Installing a water heater on your own is an easy task no matter which type of system you decide to purchase. There are a lot of resources online that will give you a step by step instruction of how to install the system yourself. The do-it-yourself approach will save you additional money. You do not need any special plumbing tools or experience to install, however, if you need help with your water heater installation, Thurow Plumbing is the plumber Milwaukee calls for all of its plumbing and water heater installations.Exactly why this solar powered water heater panel may be so efficient is simply because the copper and fluid within it will lose nearly no amount of heat, regardless of whether the temperature outdoors drops. There is an interior vacuum created within that forbids the heat from getting cold from the outside air. However, plate collector panels get colder as they're more exposed and open to the air outside.The amount of money you�re looking to spend for the right system will be a big contributor to your final decision. Tankless systems cost more than systems that use tanks, and the solar heated systems are much more money than both of them combined, but don't look at the money you will need to pay out--look at the money you will be saving over time! This is a classic example of initial investment and return profit.Last but not least, below are a few other things that you ought to know about solar hot water panels:

#4: You won't need to do any fortification of the roof with these types of panels, as they do not usually weigh more than 100-120 pounds, which is pretty mild for something on top of your roof!

Author: Harvey Carson

How To Build A Solar Water Heater

Employing solar power to heat water symbolizes one of the most logical methods of generating hot water that you can find. Why use unrenewable resources when we have an over abundance of energy emitting from our own sun? It is rapidly becoming an acknowledged impression that the best way to diminish energy consumption is by building your own water heater.

Traditional heating system � This type uses a tank to store water unless it is needed. Such a water heater uses gas, oil or electricity for the warming process. Tanks are generally well insulated to prevent heat-loss.Here you have a simple home made solar water tank that is more then capable of providing a single person or perchance a couple with adequate quantities of water.Solar heating system � This type of heating systems use solar energy to warm water. The heated water gets stored in strongly insulated tanks.Water heaters typically consist of a cylindrical tank that stores a certain amount of water that is ready for use. To save up on operation and temperature costs, the tanks are usually equipped with strong insulation that is made up of superior quality polyurethane foam. There is a heating element too that is responsible for the he0ating process.

Here you have a simple home made solar water tank that is more then capable of providing a single person or perchance a couple with adequate quantities of water.

Author: Bryan Hufford

Village heating scheme a winner

A PIONEERING green energy scheme in Huddersfield has won national recognition.

The project in the Fernside area of Almondbury won the public sector project of the year award and was runner up in the domestic installation category at the National Heat Pump Awards.During the construction phase of this project, you would need to paint your water tank with flat stovepipe black paint. The paint will permit the tank to absorb as much of the sun's energy as it can. You will also need to assemble a straightforward plywood box around the water tank. Be sure to insulate the interior of the box with some fiberglass insulation, as this will facilitate eliminating any energy lost within the system.The primary function of a typical heating system is to store, heat and supply hot water in homes and commercial buildings. Usually the water is preheated and one can access it on opening the tap.You would subsequently be required to establish a position aside your home where the solar water heater can be situated for a good southern exposure of the sun in order to ensure maximum heat generation.At this point in time, you would install the painted water tank into the box and attach any of the necessary plumbing to the bottom of it. These are, of course, the pipes which carry the water from your house to the heater. Another set of water pipes will carry the water from the heater back to the houses water distribution system.Contractors Eon and Kirklees Building Services worked closely with KNH, representatives from the Almondbury South Tenants and Residents Association, tenants and ward councillors to help bring the project to fruition.

"The work of partners like KNH is vital to helping the council reduce its carbon footprint and tackle fuel poverty. Working together, we can make a real difference".

Types of Water Heaters

Water heaters are one of the most commonly used appliances by many householders. They are particularly helpful in storing and heating an amount of water. Hot water is required for both household and business purposes.

The project involved Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing (KNH) replacing inefficient electric storage heaters in 180 flats and bungalows with ground source heat pumps. The scheme is one of the biggest of its kind in the UK and a major way that KNH is supporting Kirklees Council's carbon reduction and fuel poverty targets.There are several types of heaters available in the market. The most commonly used type is the tank-type one. This comprises of a vertical cylindrical tank that is capable of holding any amount from 20 to 100 gallons. Such heaters can work on natural gas, propane, solar energy or electricity. Generally natural gas is used to fuel tank-type heaters. Another popular type is the combination heater. It is a tankless-type heater that is capable of providing with instant hot water. This type of heating system does not require any tank as it heats water instantly.Clr Peter McBride, Cabinet member for Investment and Housing, said: "This project is an important addition to the way we use renewable energy in Kirklees and provides a model for others to follow. I'm very pleased that the project has received this recognition.The heat pumps are already paying off. as last winter, one of the coldest on record, residents saw their energy use fall by between a third and a half.Tankless heating system � The technology that these types of heaters incorporate is amazingly efficient. They do not need a tank as they are equipped with the capability of heating water quickly.A typical heating system is usually capable of holding around 50 gallons of water. All you need to do is to get the right sized heater that meets your requirements. You must choose a model whose efficiency suits your needs the best. For instance, electric heaters have around 98% efficiency whereas gas heaters have 85% efficiency. Every type has setbacks and advantages. A few popular types of heaters are explained as follows:The very first thing that you would need to do is to find out exactly what your water consumption standards are. On average, the typical person consumes about 30 gallons of water per day.

Water heating systems are machines and can malfunction if not treated properly. You must seek expert technical support to fix issues with your water heaters. Ventura (CA) citizens can contact Dutton Plumbing to avail professional repairing services.

Author: Alice shown

EnerCare Inc. Announces Monthly Dividend

EnerCare Inc. ("EnerCare") (TSX:ECI) today announced a cash dividend of $0.054 per common share for the month of July 2011. The dividend will be payable on August 31, 2011 to shareholders of record at the close of business on July 29, 2011.

In the first phase, the total covered area is approximately 1.5 square kilometers, or 0.58 square miles, and the total estimated costs are from RMB 750 million to RMB 900 million (approximately $116.4 million to $14 million). The construction period will be commencing from August 2011 to December 2012.Safe Harbor Statement:"Although well intentioned, I have concerns that the Energy Star program is leveraging hard earned tax dollars and the trust of the American people for a program that lacks oversight could still be subject to fraud and abuse and one that would be better administered by the private sector," Fleming said.

Contacts: EnerCare Inc. Chris Cawston CFO 905.695.7793 or 1.800.781.2943 ccawston@enercare.ca www.enercareconnections.com

China Solar & Clean Energy Solutions, Inc. Signs a Joint Construction Agreement With a Guizhou Company on Eco-Buildings Projects

BEIJING, July 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- China Solar & Clean Energy Solutions, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CSOL) ('CSOL' or the 'Company'), a premier manufacturer and distributor of solar water heaters, space heating devices, and integrated low carbon solutions providers in the People's Republic of China, today announced that one of its subsidiaries has signed a joint construction agreement with a Guizhou company on Eco-Buildings Projects.

China Solar & Clean Energy Solutions, Inc. operates through its subsidiaries Bazhou Deli Solar Energy Heating Co. Ltd. ('Deli Solar (Bazhou)'), Beijing Deli Solar Technology Development Co., Ltd., and Tianjin Huaneng Group, all located in the PRC. The Company manufactures and distributes various forms of alternative energy systems including solar thermal systems for hot water and space heating, industrial heat recovery systems, and solar-powered lighting devices. Currently, the Company has changed its strategic development from solar thermal products marketing to be a large-scale engineering projects low-carbon integrated solutions provider.an amendment to bar any funds to be used for the upkeep of the residence of any former U.S. president;The detailed payment arrangements from Guizhou Company to the Company, including but not limited to the payment times, amounts of each installments and inspection arrangements upon completion of each phase of the Projects, shall be subject to the parties' separate agreements.In April 2010, Louisiana allotted $6.8 million to issue rebates of up to $500 per resident who bought Energy Star qualified products through the EmPower Louisiana program.Rep. John Fleming, R-Shreveport, recommended peeling back the little blue stickers on appliances in his call Wednesday to eliminate the Energy Star program as one of 39 riders to an Interior- Environment spending bill. The bill, which would fund the Interior Department, the Environmental Protection Agency and other related agencies in fiscal year 2012, comes to the floor as House leaders scramble to agree on a debt ceiling proposal.Fleming said the program could be better administered by a private entity much like Consumer Reports, a product review publication published by the Consumers Union.Fleming said cutting the program would save $48.2 million and cited concerns that it's free-wielding with its energy efficiency status.Energy Star, started in 1992, is a joint program between the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy and allows manufacturers to label products that meet energy efficiency guidelines with the program logo.an amendment banning funds appropriated in the bill from being spent on compact fluorescent light bulbs; andSome of the more creative riders to the Interior-Environment bill included:

Certain statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information about China Solar & Clean Energy Solutions and its subsidiaries business and products within the meaning of Rule 175 under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 3b-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are subject to the safe harbor created by those rules. The actual results may differ materially depending on a number of risk factors including, but not limited to, the general economic and business conditions in the PRC, market and customer acceptance and demand for products, ability to market products, fluctuations in foreign currency markets, the use of estimates in the preparation of financial statements, the impact of competitive products and pricing, the ability to develop and launch new products on a timely basis, the regulatory environment, fluctuations in operating results, and various other factors beyond its control. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this Cautionary Statement and the risks factors detailed in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. China Solar & Clean Energy Solutions undertakes no duty to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

Louisiana congressman calls for end to Energy Star program

A Louisiana congressman with his eye set on government cutbacks is pushing for an end to the federal program that marks energy efficient refrigerators and water heaters with the Energy Star designation.

In the second phase, the total covered area is approximately 4.0 square kilometers, or 1.54 square miles, and the total estimated costs are from RMB 2 billion to 2.4 billion (approximately $0.31 billion to $0.37 billion). The construction period is expected from August 2012 to October 2014.Additional information regarding EnerCare is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com or through EnerCare's website at http://investors.enercare.ca . Information on the sub-metering businesses is also available at www.stratacon.ca and at www.enercareconnections.com .About EnerCare Inc.Certain statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information about China Solar & Clean Energy Solutions and its subsidiaries business and products within the meaning of Rule 175 under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 3b-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are subject to the safe harbor created by those rules. The actual results may differ materially depending on a number of risk factors including, but not limited to, the general economic and business conditions in the PRC, market and customer acceptance and demand for products, ability to market products, fluctuations in foreign currency markets, the use of estimates in the preparation of financial statements, the impact of competitive products and pricing, the ability to develop and launch new products on a timely basis, the regulatory environment, fluctuations in operating results, and various other factors beyond its control. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this Cautionary Statement and the risks factors detailed in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. China Solar & Clean Energy Solutions undertakes no duty to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.an amendment to bar any of the funds in the bill from being used to develop any musical song.For more information, please visit http://www.delisolar.com .About China Solar & Clean Energy Solutions, Inc.EnerCare owns a portfolio of approximately 1.3 million installed water heaters and other assets, rented primarily to residential customers in Ontario. EnerCare also owns Stratacon Inc. and EnerCare Connections Inc., leading sub-metering companies, with metering contracts for condominium and apartment suites in Ontario, Alberta and elsewhere in Canada.The agreement amounts on eco-building engineering costs are more than RMB 4 billion (approx. US 630 million) with net profit rate of approx. 16-18% and will be executed accordingly and continuously under three phases.

an amendment to bar any of the funds in the bill from being used to develop any musical song.

Author: Jennifer Larino