(NewsUSA) – You turn on the tap, and water comes out. Period. Safe, plentiful and affordable drinking water is one of our nation’s most precious resources and something most of us take for granted.
But what if you turned the tap and nothing happened, or if the water you drank made you sick?
While pouring a glass of water may seem simple, before it arrives at your tap there is a complex process of collecting, storing, treating and distributing that helps ensure its availability and quality. In fact, water utilities implement comprehensive water management plans to ensure that adequate amounts of drinking water are available. These include conservation and reuse, reclamation and sourcing strategies.
Drinking water supplied by utilities is always treated to remove contaminants and harmful micro-organisms. That treatment process typically consists of clarification (to remove dirt and other particles), filtration (to remove even smaller particles) and disinfection (to kill bacteria and most viruses). The water is then delivered to residential and commercial customers via an extensive pipe network.
Drinking water utilities are committed to protecting public health and constantly monitoring and reassessing their methods for treating water to ensure its quality. In part, this is due to changing government regulations, which periodically alter water quality standards. In addition, they may undertake other forms of treatment not expressly required to comply with regulations in order to ensure that drinking water meets and often exceeds the standards and needs of local communities.
For example, they may seek to remove trace compounds that are not currently regulated, and to enhance the aesthetic quality of the water.
Drinking water utilities carry out these services while also managing costs and minimizing environmental impacts of their processes; they are committed to keeping drinking water affordable. Water utilities and other stakeholders invest more than $12 million each year in the Water Research Foundation to sponsor research that enables water utilities, public health agencies and other professionals to provide safe and affordable drinking water to the public.
So the next time you pour a glass of water from the tap, take a moment to honor the commitment and significant investment made to ensure the quality of that water.
For more information, visit www.waterrf.org.
Drinking Water: An Invaluable Resource Taken for Granted
Hybrid Heat: An Efficient Way to Warm Your Home This Winter
(NewsUSA) – From smart phones to programmable thermostats, today’s electronics come equipped with advanced operating systems that make life easier and more efficient. The challenge is knowing how to take full advantage of the capabilities of these devices.
Consider indoor environment devices like programmable thermostats. Programmable thermostats are capable of controlling the entire heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system
– from heating to indoor air quality and energy management.
“Adjusting the temperature up and down doesn’t equate to savings or even comfort in the home,” said Jonathan Payne, product manager of programmable controls at Carrier. “The key to total comfort is the homeowner’s ability to control the temperature, humidity, air circulation and energy use.”
Although many homes have programmable thermostats, they may not be programmed or used properly. To truly realize the advantages of a programmable thermostat, consider these tips:
1. Choose a thermostat that manages your system properly and efficiently. Select a thermostat that is not only easy for you to understand and program, but one that controls all of the equipment in your HVAC system, including an air purifier, humidifier, air conditioner, furnace and/or heat pump.
2. Have the HVAC control or thermostat installed by a Carrier authorized dealer or other HVAC expert to ensure the wiring and settings are configured to match the needs of your specific system.
3. Choose a program that fits well with your lifestyle, and stick with it. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), energy can be saved if you keep energy-saving set points activated for longer timeframes. So, you could leave home energy-saving set points on during the work/school day, or at night when family members are asleep, for instance.
4. Avoid overuse of the temporary “hold” feature. If you consistently “hold” or over-ride the pre-programmed settings, you could be wasting energy. The EPA suggests that the “hold” and “vacation” settings should be set several degrees warmer and cooler in the summer and winter months, respectively, and only used when you’re away from home for an extended stay.
5. Try not to achieve a quick fix. The EPA’s Proper Use Guidelines for Programmable Controls indicates that you will not heat or cool your house faster by adjusting the temperature on your thermostat to the extremes — up to 80 degrees or down to 30 degrees.
To learn more about Carrier programmable thermostats, call 1-800-CARRIER or visit www.residential.carrier.com.
Programming Thermostats for Energy Savings and Comfort
(NewsUSA) – From smart phones to programmable thermostats, today’s electronics come equipped with advanced operating systems that make life easier and more efficient. The challenge is knowing how to take full advantage of the capabilities of these devices.
Consider indoor environment devices like programmable thermostats. Programmable thermostats are capable of controlling the entire heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system — from heating to indoor air quality and energy management.
“Adjusting the temperature up and down doesn’t equate to savings or even comfort in the home,” said Jonathan Payne, product manager of programmable controls at Carrier. “The key to total comfort is the homeowner’s ability to control the temperature, humidity, air circulation and energy use.”
Although many homes have programmable thermostats, they may not be programmed or used properly. To truly realize the advantages of a programmable thermostat, consider these tips:
1. Choose a thermostat that manages your system properly and efficiently. Select a thermostat that is not only easy for you to understand and program, but one that controls all of the equipment in your HVAC system, including an air purifier, humidifier, air conditioner, furnace and/or heat pump.
2. Have the HVAC control or thermostat installed by a Carrier authorized dealer or other HVAC expert to ensure the wiring and settings are configured to match the needs of your specific system.
3. Choose a program that fits well with your lifestyle, and stick with it. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), energy can be saved if you keep energy-saving set points activated for longer timeframes. So, you could leave home energy-saving set points on during the work/school day, or at night when family members are asleep, for instance.
4. Avoid overuse of the temporary “hold” feature. If you consistently “hold” or over-ride the pre-programmed settings, you could be wasting energy. The EPA suggests that the “hold” and “vacation” settings should be set several degrees warmer and cooler in the summer and winter months, respectively, and only used when you’re away from home for an extended stay.
5. Try not to achieve a quick fix. The EPA’s Proper Use Guidelines for Programmable Controls indicates that you will not heat or cool your house faster by adjusting the temperature on your thermostat to the extremes — up to 80 degrees or down to 30 degrees.
To learn more about Carrier programmable thermostats, call 1-800-CARRIER or visit www.residential.carrier.com.
Beware of Winter Rodents
(NewsUSA) – The rodents that dash indoors as uninvited winter guests aren’t nearly as lovable as any of the furry friends in popular cartoons, but their sinister plots to take over your home are comparable to the likes of Pinky and the Brain.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rodents spread over 35 diseases worldwide, some of which are fatal or have lasting side-effects. Allergens from mice and rats also present health threats in the form of allergies and asthma attacks.
“Mice disperse hundreds of urine micro-droplets as they peruse your pantry and scurry throughout your home, polluting every inch they cross,” says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). “And if that’s not off-putting enough, think about the allergic reaction that can be caused by the odor of a decaying mouse that died stuck between the walls or in the attic,”
The commonly seen deer mouse is known for transmitting hantavirus, a rare but potentially fatal virus found in North America. Other rodent-related diseases are salmonellosis, tularemia and rat-bite fever — many of which are transferred from ticks or mites living on the rodents. But that isn’t the only kind of baggage mice and rats bring with them — their damage can be twofold.
Rodents don’t just target your health and food, they frequently cause structural damage to your home. Aside from leaving the telltale dark brown droppings, a common sign of an infestation, mice and rats are capable of chewing through wood, pipes, aluminum, cement and sheet rock. Plus, wires-turned-chew toys can lead to electrical shortages and fires.
As colder temperatures spur a rodent migration, seal up any holes or cracks around walls, doors and windows. Deer mice and house mice are able to squeeze through spaces the size of a nickel, such as those found next to pipes and weather stripping. If you notice holes and rips in cereal boxes and other pantry food items along with a trail of droppings, it’s time to call your pest professional.
Learn more about rodent prevention at www.pestworld.org, including how to find a pest management professional near you.
White Bean Chili Recipe Will Warm the Heart
(NewsUSA) – Hearty stews and belly-warming soups are coming out of the kitchens; frost is sparkling, and winter jackets are coming out of hiding. Families are craving slow-cooked, savory meals that yield health benefits and leftovers.
Delicious, savory winter-recipe ingredients that will surely satisfy are white beans and Oso Sweet Onions, an onion grown at the foot of the Andes Mountains. Onions are not only believed to be a cancer preventative, their low-salt, low-fat health benefits are the proactive equivalent to superhero powers. Onions have 25 compounds that lower blood pressure and cholesterol, prevent thrombosis, inhibit strokes and battle heart disease, says the American Heart Association.
Plus, the antioxidants and flavonoids found in onions don’t lose their potency once cooked. This makes them ideal for slow-cooked recipes. They add a punch of flavor and a whopping serving size, making them an affordable luxury during the chilly winter months.
Use the following recipe for a tasty detour from your typical red chili.
Energy-Efficient Heating Keeps Cost-Conscious Homes Cozy
(NewsUSA) – With many Americans watching their budgets, heating homes has become an unwanted, though necessary, expense.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, many American homes will experience higher heating costs this winter due to increased fuel prices. Thankfully, simple behavior changes and energy-efficient appliances can help homeowners cut their heating bills and still enjoy the same level of comfort.
“Energy-efficient heating means that you use less energy to heat the same space,” said Phil Weeks, chief operating officer of Rinnai America Corporation, a company that manufactures gas heating appliances. “This saved energy translates into reduced utility costs for homeowners.”
Some energy-efficient heating devices, like Rinnai’s hydronic furnace, which works in conjunction with the company’s tankless water heater, can heat a home while still conserving energy. Featuring a high-efficiency motor that offers up to 48 percent better efficiency than a comparable traditional motor, the hydronic furnace is powered by Rinnai’s gas-modulating tankless technology, so it uses only the energy needed to maintain a room’s desired temperature. Because the unit utilizes hot water from the tankless water heater to heat air, the heat it provides is less dry than that of a typical forced-air furnace.
Another efficient heating option is to forego a traditional furnace in favor of a direct vent wall furnace. These ductless units are capable of comfortably heating whole homes or specific zones, depending on the need, and save energy by constantly adjusting heat output and blower speed to meet current demand. Rinnai’s gas-modulating direct vent wall furnace also can serve as a supplementary heat source for basements, guest rooms, room additions and generally hard-to-heat areas, thus reducing the demand placed on a home’s central heating system.
Of course, homeowners can take steps to help their current heating units operate on less energy. Consider the following efforts:
* Seal and weather strip doors and windows to prevent heat from escaping the home.
* Reverse the direction of ceiling fans (so they turn clockwise) to push warm air down from the ceiling.
* Minimize the use of bathroom and kitchen hood fans as they can quickly remove heat from the air.
For more information, visit www.rinnai.us.
Beat the Winter Blahs
(NewsUSA) – For many of us, sticking to our health routine can be difficult. Morning runs outside get replaced with snuggling under the covers, and healthy eating goes by the wayside as sweets become the norm. Well, you can indulge and still stick to a healthy routine with just a few simple tweaks to your lifestyle. Valerie Waters, celebrity fitness trainer and contributor to publications like In Style, Fitness, Self and People, offers motivational tips just for you:
1. Get your Omega-3s, even if you don’t like fish. The body produces low levels of Omega-3s, and the average diet contains insufficient amounts, so supplementing is important. Omega-3s have heart, brain and eye benefits. For those who would rather not swallow a giant pill, the makers of Centrum just launched ProNutrients, a new line of supplements from the most trusted multivitamin, with an Omega-3 that comes in a concentrated MiniGel.
2. Eat dinner earlier. When you eat dinner between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., you are less likely to munch early or eat something late at night.
3. Eat seasonal fruits and veggies. Pick the brightest fruits and veggies and experiment with new flavors. Fresh produce improves your skin, gives you more energy and builds up your immune system. Options include butternut squash, kale, sweet potatoes and grapefruit. Complement your choices with a multivitamin, especially one for your specific health needs. Recently launched, Centrum Specialist multivitamins with heart, vision, energy or prenatal benefits gives you confidence you’ve made a smart nutritional choice.
4. Quench your thirst before you feel it. Dry rooms and extra heat cause you to lose more water in the winter. If your lips are chapped or you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. Drink a glass of water during each meal and while you workout to help stay hydrated.
5. Get off the couch, but stay close to it. If you don’t want to go outside to work out, modify your routine to exercise indoors. Squats, lunges, planks and pushups can all be done in your own home. Aim for at least 15 to 20 minutes a day. Also, park farther away while shopping at the mall, and use the stairs when possible.
For more of Waters’ healthy living tips, visit www.facebook.com/Centrum.
Energy-Efficient Products Add Comfort and Savings
(NewsUSA) – When buying a new home or remodeling an existing one, many people get caught up in the selection of hardwood flooring or cabinet colors and can sometimes forget about adding real value to a home — specifically with the right combination of energy-saving solutions and an optimal heating and cooling (HVAC) system. What’s behind the walls and in the attic, basement or utility closet can really impact a home’s value and performance and lead to greater energy savings and long-term buyer satisfaction.
The average homeowner spends approximately $1,900 a year on energy bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling account for about 56 percent of a typical home’s energy usage, making it the largest energy expense for most homes.
A natural first step to achieving an energy-efficient home is to install a high-efficiency heating and cooling system. Many of today’s top builders and contractors are turning to the experts at Carrier and their full line of energy-efficient solutions to help reduce energy use in homes without pricing buyers out of the market. Plus, many Carrier products meet or exceed federal energy requirements and are Energy Star compliant.
Though investing in energy-efficient heating and cooling may have the biggest impact on reducing household energy use, homeowners should approach energy efficiency from a more holistic perspective.
A highly efficient system should work in concert with high-quality insulation, water heater, windows, roofing, light fixtures and energy-efficient appliances to ensure the greatest energy savings. Be sure to talk with a homebuilder or contractor about how these various systems work together to determine the right solution based on the style of home and climate.
So while contemplating what color to paint the master bedroom, think about what’s in the utility closet, too. It’ll reduce future energy use and contribute to a comfortable home. For more details on heating and cooling systems, visit www.residential.carrier.com.
Winter Opens Homes to Pest Invasion
(NewsUSA) – Surviving winter can be an endurance marathon for the average house. After the trials of hurricane season come the bitter cold and precipitation brought on by winter. Severe winter weather can freeze pipes, cause roof cave-ins and lead to extensive water damage — all of which leave a house vulnerable to winter pest invasions.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates each winter costs the economy several million dollars in repairs and damage control. 2010′s series of epic storms cost $2.6 billion in property losses, as reported by the Insurance Information Institute.
“The destruction of Hurricane Irene was followed by September floods and October snow storms that caused power outages in several areas. If the early weather is any indication of what’s yet to come this season, we can expect snowfall similar to last winter. Now is the right time for homeowners to quickly repair damage that would otherwise give opportunistic winter pests access to their home,” advises Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).
The most common winter pests are rodents, but a slew of insects will also eagerly warm themselves by your furnace and feast on your dry goods if given a chance. Cockroaches, ants, stink bugs and spiders are some of the usual suspects.
These tenacious insects can find points of entry anywhere, especially if winter weather results in structural damage. Issues like missing shingles, water damage to roofs or walls, burst pipes and even small cracks leave your home susceptible to infestation. Rodents are known for their ability to fit in openings as small as a coin.
“Ripped screens and broken doors or windows will admit pests faster than you can spot them. Pay attention to your home’s insulation, like weather stripping, and look for signs of mice in places near moisture or food,” says Henriksen.
Don’t wait until you’re knee-deep in ruined holiday decorations to start thinking about pest control after a storm, because a pest infestation can be costly to you and your home.
If you have an infestation, contact a pest professional to see how you should proceed. Get more pest control tips at www.pestworld.org.
Thinking of Replacement Windows? Think Again
(NewsUSA) – Being aware of your home’s carbon footprint takes targeted effort, but it can also save you money. Incorporating eco-friendly additions into your home can massively reduce energy bills and save on repairs.
According to CellularWindowShades.com, up to 24 percent of a fuel bill can escape out of leaky windows. But replacing windows can cost anywhere from $400 to $800 per window. Depending on the size of your house and the state of your windows, total cost could be anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000.
One affordable yet environmentally efficient option is insulating window shades. There’s some hesitation around insulating shades, but here are a few questions and explanations straight from the expert’s mouth.
Q: Our windows are cold. Do we need to replace them, or can we use insulating shades?
A: If your windows are no longer functional, and your energy bills are off the charts, go with replacement windows. However, if they are simply old and cold, homeowners might want to consider high-quality insulating shades with side tracks that provide a four-sided seal. Shades like these will solve your heat-loss problems immediately.
Q: How do I know if insulated shades are the right option for my home?
A: Quality insulated shades are part of a good energy-conservation plan. After installing energy-efficient CFL bulbs, insulated shades are the next step. Mini-blinds can transfer the cold from your window into the room, increasing your energy costs by 10 percent. Insulating shades can reduce that by half.
Q: What are the environmental benefits of using insulated shades?
A: Residential heating and cooling eat up more fossil fuels than any other sector. A shocking 50 percent slips through poorly insulated windows. Experts guage that the equivalent of 450 million barrels of oil could be saved every year if all windows in the U.S. had effective insulating shades.
For more information, go to cellularwindowshades.com. The shades come in a variety of attractive and complementary colors.
