Every appliance in your home has two costs. The first is the price you pay when you purchase it. The second is the cost of operating the appliance over its lifetime. And while most people focus in on the upfront costs, they may be a bit surprised if they dug a little deeper and looked at total costs instead. What can save you a few dollars up front may wind up costing you hundreds or even thousands over its lifetime.

One of the most expensive items in your home to operate is your water heater. Heating your water every month accounts for about 15 percent of your utility bill. And if you have a water heater 10 years and older, the efficiency rating is no more than 50 percent.

A water heater’s efficiency is measured by its energy factor – EF – which is calculated by its recovery efficiency, standby and cycling losses. The higher the EF, the more efficient the water heater. Typical EF ratings will range:

Electric: 0.7 to 0.95
Gas: 0.5 to 0.8
Heat Pump: 1.5 to 2.0

In addition to the EF rating on a water heater, you should also look for the first hour rating, FHR. The FHR is a measure of how much hot water the water heater will deliver during a busy hour.

Also keep in mind that water heaters will also have standby heat loss. Because water is heated in the tank, it is constantly working whether you are using water or not. Energy can be wasted during the time periods when you aren’t requesting water. The older the water heater, the more chance of this loss occurring. Which means it will be more expensive to operate overall. You can look to the Energy Guide labels on the water heaters you are considering as they will list the annual estimated cost of operating.

And if you have any questions, ask a plumber. We can provide you with guidance on what is your best choice for your unique situation.

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The second largest energy user in the home is typically your water heater. And if your water heater is more than a couple of years old, chances are its one area that could save you a considerable amount of money over the coming years.

Xcel Energy is offering its residential customers up to $450 in rebates when they purchase a qualifying, new high-efficiency, natural gas or electric water heaters. Rebates vary from $25 on a standard natural gas water heater .62EF to an electric heat pump water heater with rebates of $450.

Download your 2012 rebate form here, then contact us about installing the water heater right for you.

Once your water heater is installed, move onto a variety of other areas in your home.

Denver Water is once again offering a variety of rebate programs to residents who use Denver Water. Currently they are offering:

• $100 rebate on qualifying clothes washers

• $75 rebate on WaterSense labeled high-efficiency toilets

• $2 rebates on rotary nozzles for your sprinkler system

• $100 rebate on weather based smart controller with rain sensor

To learn more about these programs, visit Denver Water.

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As we age, we begin looking at even the littlest tasks in a different way. While bathing may have been a fun way to relax and let the stress melt away in our younger years, it may be anything but fun when the worry of falling sets in.

Walk-in bathtubs are a safe and convenient way to enjoy independence in personal hygiene without the falling hazard so often associated with traditional bathtubs.  Whether you are shopping for yourself or a loved one, here are a few tips to help guide you as you choose the right walk-in bathtub for you.

Take your time - All walk-in bathtubs are not created equal.  Some come fully equipped with all the bells and whistles anyone could ever want, while others are more conventional and basic.  Do your research online to learn of the various options, then head to the stores to “test” a few out and determine what fits your needs.

Separate your wish list and your need list - After you’ve browsed for a while, you will likely begin to develop a list of features that you want in your new walk-in bathtub.  Before you decide on your purchase, take a few moments to decide what is a want and what is a need. Prices change dramatically as the features go up.

Consider budget - Once you have your wish list and your need list, it’s time to see if reality can meet your expectations.  If your budget can comfortably meet your needs list, perhaps you could consider a model that begins to address the wish list.

Read reviews - This can be a pricey investment.  Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, take some time to read any online reviews for the models you’ve selected.

Shop online - Many times you can find a better price online than you can in a traditional store.  Be sure to compare in-store prices with those available online.

Talk with a plumber early in the process - In some cases you may need to rework your plumbing in order to relocate the tub. Because this can add to your remodel project substantially, finding out overall costs early on can help you make your final decisions. And in some cases, your plumber can be a great resource, offering tips and suggestions as you upgrade your bathroom.

Remember, this is an investment - Some people may feel guilty spending money on a walk-in bathtub, considering it a luxury item.  Remember, if your loved one is at a greater risk of slipping and falling, a walk-in bathtub is not a luxury, but an investment in their future health and wellbeing.

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Have you ever opened up your water bill and been more than a little shocked at the amount due?

As we move from winter to summer, and you begin watering your landscaping, a price increase is to be expected. But if the price is more than what you expected, you may have more than an added cost for landscaping. You may have a water leak.

Water leaks are one of the most common plumbing problems for homeowners. Finding the source of the leak and making needed repairs is your number one concern. Many times, it is a simple leak, such as a sink or faucet, causing the problem. Other times, the problem can be more complicated – such as a slab leak.

A slab leak is a water leak under the slab of your home. When you have a slab leak, it can be difficult to find the source. Because of its location, you may have no indication of a problem. Yet your water bill tells you something else.

The first thing you need to do is see if you have any noticeable water spots. Walk around your home both inside and out, looking for small areas that are damp or wet. Listening for the water leak can also aid in trying to find the slab leak. Determine where your plumbing pipes run and start listening. Usually, the closer you are to the leak, the noisier it will be.

To repair a slab leak, it is a good idea to call in the pros. The process is not something that the everyday “do-it-yourself” person can handle. A slab leak involves removing not just the floor covering (vinyl, wood, etc.), but also the section of the slab covering the leaky pipe. Since your slab is concrete, you will need a small jackhammer to remove the section. A professional will have the necessary equipment to make the repairs.

Once the section of the slab is removed, the section of leaky pipe must be removed. Never attempt a “patch”, as this will only result in another leak. Remove and replace the entire section of leaky pipe.

When the leak is repaired, test the water before fixing the hole in your floor. If no leaks are found, the hole can be filled with concrete and left to dry. After a few days, the flooring can be replaced and you can get back to a normal water bill.

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Tough economic times are upon us. And with high unemployment and under-employment means people are turning to a wide array of ways to bring in a fast buck, including criminal activity.

While you often hear about home burglaries and car thefts, there is one stolen item that you may not hear much about – the backflow device. Thieves are turning to these expensive copper devices for some quick cash.

Understanding what a backflow device is and how to protect it can help you prevent your backflow device from disappearing – costing hundreds of dollars to replace, along with the loss of thousands of gallons of water.

The backflow device is usually somewhere along the street front of a commercial property. It is above the ground and is used to prevent contaminated water from reaching the potable water source of a city. When a backflow device is stolen, it can cost several hundred dollars to replace and allow hundreds of gallons of water to disappear every second. To protect your backflow device from theft, take note of the following tips:

Install a protective cage over the device

Install a secure lock that is difficult to break (make sure your maintenance crew has a copy of the key in case of a water emergency)

Mount the cage securely to the cement pad and use lock guards

Use video surveillance to monitor your backflow device and post warnings about the monitoring system to deter thieves

You can also mask the device by planting shrubbery and other types of landscaping materials about a foot away from the device – this makes it harder for thieves to notice it when they are making a “backflow run”

A small wall will also mask your device from the road – thieves want easy, unprotected access, so make your device as difficult to find and remove as possible

Write down all identifying numbers from your device in case it is stolen

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Ever hear a “quick tip” that almost sounds unbelievable? From a helpful tip to an old wives’ tale, it can be difficult to decide which info is fact and which is fiction. More than a few of the best-known “tips” are myths – myths that can cost you money and time. Here are a few of the most common plumbing myths you should avoid:

Putting lemons down the garbage disposal is a good way to freshen it and clean it. Although putting lemons in the disposal might make it smell fresh at the time, the acids in lemon juice will corrode the metal inside the disposal and shorten its lifespan. If your disposal needs cleaned, use ice. The spinning ice will clean any debris from inside the disposal.

Using cleaning tablets or cleaning liquids in your toilet tank will eliminate the need to clean your toilet. The truth is that the use of these products can create build-up that will destroy the toilet. If you need to remove grime from your toilet, simply run white vinegar down the overflow tube. The vinegar will safely remove the grime in a natural, chemical-free manner.

Most plumbing fixtures are low-maintenance.  Neglect of plumbing fixtures can lead to serious issues. Lack of use allows drain traps to dry out and sewer gases to vent into the house – which can lead to deadly explosive gases. To eliminate this risk, make sure you use your various sinks and drains on a regular basis.

Instructions are for “dummies”. By carefully following installation and maintenance instructions, you can insure that your fixtures work correctly and that your warranties will not be voided.

He must know what he is doing – he is a plumber. Not all plumbers are created equal. When choosing a plumber, you should ensure that he is licensed. Do not be afraid to ask for references – a good plumber will gladly provide you with the names of satisfied customers.

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Water heaters are standard in most residential homes, apartment complexes and mobile homes. They are responsible for converting the cold water that pumps into a home into the hot water used for washing clothes, dishes and ourselves. Even though these heat-producing cylinders are fairly commonplace, they are also a bit of a mystery for many homeowners and renters. Tenants tend to call on the help of a professional maintenance operator to handle any issues that may arise with the heater. This does not mean that safety around a water heater should be forgotten.  In order to stay safe around a water heater throughout the year there are certain safety tips to keep in mind.

1.    Keep the area around the water heater clean. Make sure that dust, debris and any flammable objects are cleared away from the area. Be sure to sweep and mop the area regularly to prevent any dust build up that may occur.

2.    Keep a regular eye on the temperature valve of the water heater. This valve opens when too much pressure builds up in the water heater. If this valve is clogged or blocked in any way, an explosion could occur, causing extensive damage to your property or yourself.

3.    During the summer months, many tenants may experience bug problems. This is the time of year when bug bombs are used in the house to stop the bug issues from occurring. Make sure that the pilot light on the water heater is off and that the gas line is closed completely before any foggers or bug bombs are set off in the home. Foggers and bug bombs are highly flammable and when they come in contact with an open valve on a water heater, they can cause a fire or explode.

4.    Regularly check gas valves to make sure that no flammable gas is leaking near the water heater.

5.    Do not store flammable liquid or items near the water heater.

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Water is life. Without water, you cannot physically live. Without water, you cannot cook, bathe, clean your home, or wash the laundry.

Supplying enough water to meet the needs of billions of people is difficult. It is even more difficult when water is wasted. You can help by finding ways to reduce the amount of water in your own home.

The average American household wastes 40,000 gallons of water a year. Much of this waste is created by inefficient appliances and outdated fixtures. By simply replacing these appliances and fixtures with water-saving devices, you can stop half of this waste. By stopping the waste of water, you not only save money, but you also preserve water supplies for the future.

If you run the faucet in your kitchen four minutes a day, you are using an average of 4,000 gallons of water a year. A water-saving faucet can reduce this usage by 1,000 gallons a year.

A traditional washing machine uses approximately 50 gallons of water per load. If you wash two loads of laundry a week, that is about 5,000 gallons a year.  By replacing your washer with a high-efficiency machine, you can save 2,000 gallons of water per year.

One fifteen-minute shower every day for one year uses 19,000 gallons. A water-saving showerhead will reduce this usage by up to 12,000 gallons in a year.

The largest waste of water in your home is the toilet. An older toilet will use 33,000 gallons of water per year if it is flushed 15 times a day. A water-saving toilet can save 24,000 gallons of water every year.

The wasted amounts of water add up to 5.4 billion gallons and $11.3 million a day. By simply replacing your outdated faucets and appliances, you can save 2 trillion gallons of water and $4 billion a year. Now that is a lot of water.

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Imagine being in the middle of a perfectly warm shower. The temperature is just right and you are in a relaxing environment to end a stressful day. Suddenly your perfect moment is interrupted by a blast of cold water or extremely scalding hot water. This is what is known as hot water shock and it can be prevented. By knowing just a few tips and tricks, you can prevent the hot water shock from happening to you or anyone else in your home.

1. Buy and install a pressure-balancing shower valve. This valve is designed to keep pressure flowing at the same level – regardless of a change in pressure in other areas of the pipes. In other words, if a toilet is flushed during a shower the water pressure will change. This change will normally cause the hot water shock. With a pressure-balancing shower valve, the pressure is regulated and the shower is not interrupted.

2.    Have a plumber perform an evaluation on the pipes in your home. Make sure that there are no areas where water pressure may change dramatically. Have the plumber check for blockages and for possible issues that can be fixed to prevent hot water shock issues later.

3.    Perform preventative maintenance. Check periodically for leaks that may be connected to pipe issues, blockages or washer issues.

4.    Routinely replace washers in pipes and valves to make sure that water pressure continues to flow at an equal level.

5.    Place pressure-balancing shower valves in all of the showers and bathtubs in the home. This will help control ongoing water pressure and to prevent hot water shock from happening to other members of the family.

6.    Check the temperature of the water heater. Make sure the temperature is set to a level that is suitable for your family but also will not cause burn injuries if there is a hot water shock issue. Keep it lower if you have small children or elderly parents or relatives in your home.

7.    Have the valves and connectors to the water heater checked to prevent clogs and to make sure they are operating normally. Pressure build-ups in the water heater can cause pressure issues throughout the pipe system of the house and can cause possible damage to the water heater and home.

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Plumbing repairs can be a difficult, timely and messy process.  No one wants to add to the stress of the situation by choosing the wrong plumber for the job.  Since you don’t have a handy plumber in your speed dial, how do you go about finding the right plumber the first time?

Get organized – Before you call a plumber, have a list of all the repairs you need.  You don’t want to slow the process (and potentially raise the price) by needing the plumber to come out multiple times for estimates.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions – Don’t assume the first plumber you call or that comes to visit your home is the right person for the job.  Take some time to ask a few questions and get to know the plumber you are considering.

Ask about licensing and insurance – One of the most important questions to ask your potential plumber is whether or not they are licensed and have insurance.  You want to make sure you are working with a reputable company that can make reparations if the worst should occur.

Ask for an itemized estimate – Make sure you know from the very beginning how much things will cost.  Be sure to request an itemized estimate so you can know exactly where what funds are going.

Consider getting a second opinion – Don’t assume that just because one plumber says a job should cost a certain amount or be done in a certain way that he is right.  Consider getting a second opinion so you have something a frame of reference.

Ask for references - While not as important as asking about licensing or insurance, you might want to consider asking for references from previous customers (or look online for company ratings).  This can provide yet another idea of how well the plumber might do for you.

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