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Household Water Tips
Water Heating
Warm water can be costing you more than you think.
A typical household spends 14 percent of their energy
bill, or about $200 a year on hot water.
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To save on both water heating and water, install
a low-flow showerhead. It can cut water use as much as 50
percent.
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Keep showers under 5 minutes. Turn off the water
to soap up.
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Attach low-flow aerators to kitchen and bathroom
faucets. The faucet will flow stronger while using much less
water. For a family of four, this can save thousands of gallons
of water a year.
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Wrap the hot water pipes coming out of your water
heater with insulation.
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Set the thermostat to 120°F or less for normal
use - saving money, energy and even skin (by eliminating
scalds).
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If the side of your water heater feels warm near
the top, install an insulation blanket. Make sure to use the
appropriate type blanket for your water heater, whether it's
electric, gas or oil. Follow the manufacturer's installation
instructions carefully.
Humidify
Humid air feels warmer than dry air.
Increasing the humidity of your home also helps you resist winter
colds and moisturizes dry skin.
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Keep house plants. Plants clean the air and add
moisture to it at the same time.
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Put trays of water on top of radiators. Leave the
bathroom door open after a shower, so the warm steamy air
circulates through the house.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas created
when fossil fuels are not burned completely. Causes of CO-related
incidents can include blocked furnace/boiler vents and chimneys or
improperly adjusted or inadequately maintained appliances.
Warning signs of CO in your home can include stuffy, stale air;
condensation on windows; back drafts from a fireplace, furnace or
water- heating chimney; yellow burner flames (except from natural
gas fireplaces or logs); or burner flames or pilot lights that
flutter or keep going out. Soot - or lingering pungent odors around
appliances are other warning signs.
If you notice any of these, turn off the equipment immediately and
introduce fresh air to the building. Call a qualified, licensed
natural gas contractor to inspect the equipment as soon as possible.
Physical symptoms of CO poisoning can include dizziness, fatigue,
nausea, vomiting, headaches, ringing in the ears, blurred vision,
stinging eyes and fainting. If you experience these symptoms and
suspect CO, seek fresh air by leaving the building immediately. Call
911 from a neighbor's
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