Spring is not just for buying and selling homes, it’s also time for making home improvements, whether you’re looking to sell your home — or stay where you are. Now add in the Coronavirus pandemic, and people have had more time on their hands working from home. Many folks have been renovating, updating, and fixing issues in the home they’ve neglected for years. It is said close to 80% of homeowners reported renovating during the pandemic, and 90% will continue to do so after the pandemic.

Why Upgrade Your Plumbing?

<p>Plumbing upgrades increase a home’s functionality and efficiency, which saves homeowners both energy and money. While plumbing upgrades are not necessarily aesthetically pleasing like new kitchen appliances and stone countertops, they are essential to everyday life. Imagine what it’s like to live in a home with horrific water pressure. Upgrades help older homes become more efficient and also add eco-friendly elements to your renovation. Plus, these upgrades are often less expensive than other home remodeling projects.</p>

Upgrading the Toilets

There are lots of ways to upgrade your home’s plumbing. Firstly, have a plumber evaluate your pipes. New pipes are an easy way to keep a house functional for years to come. Another simple- but very important- upgrade to consider is new toilets. Replacing your toilets with high-efficiency models will ultimately save water and prevent drain issues.

Upgrading Faucets and Sinks in Your Kitchen and Bathroom<p>Relatedly, how’s the condition of your kitchen and bathroom sinks? Are they chipped porcelain? Are they terribly stained? You may want to consider stainless steel or other brushed metal options. New pipes, faucets, and sinks can all complete your home’s new look while also boosting efficiency.</p>

Fix Leaking Faucets

Not only is the drip-drip-drip of a leaky faucet annoying, you might as well literally flush cash down your drain. Most faucet repairs can be done by yourself with a little help from YouTube. If you’re not the ‘handy’ type, you may want to consider calling a plumber.

Replacing the Water Heater

The average lifespan of a water heater is about 15 – 20 years. Once that tank starts leaking and before it entirely floods your basement with 50 gallons or more of water, you’ll want to replace the you water-heater to a more efficient model.

Install a Water-Filtration System

These systems can often times be installed right under your kitchen sink. It will certainly save you tons of cash that you may be spending on buying gallons of bottled water.

Invest in a Smart Valve to Conserve Water and Save on Your Monthly bills

Water and sewer bills continue to soar, increasing nearly 70% since over the last decade, compared to a 20% increase across other expenses. The Hydro Route Water Confinement system or a “Smart Valve” is a great investment that will help you cut down on your monthly water bills by at least 25%. These savings will add up to thousands of dollars quickly. Let’s face it – water rates aren’t going to get any lower. The Hydro Route Water Confinement System or  “Smart Valve” is installed externally by a licensed plumber. You water pressure remains the same. The valve works by eliminating the air in pipes that is incorrectly counted as volume by your water meter, and you are charged for that extra air.

Water rates continue to climb more rapidly than any other utility or expense. In fact, over the last ten years they have soared upwards of 70% across the nation. The water rates in New York City alone have skyrocketed. With nearly 40 states anticipating water shortages by the year 2024, the need to conserver water is dire. And we all must do our part. 

We all want to be good stewards of the Earth and save water, and additionally, we’re also tired of paying ridiculous water rates. And they’re not going to get any lower. Imagine the monthly water rates for golf courses, irrigation, and the like.

The problem is you want to conserve water, save on your monthly water bill, but you don’t want to compromise your curb appeal or your gardens, which are highly sustainable, I might add. How do you do both?

People are not ready to give up their gardens just yet. And gardening has made an incredible comeback since last Spring coinciding with the advent of the Coronavirus, harkening back to the days of the Victory gardens.

Tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and bright perennials, however, won’t make it on just rain water in the Northeast, with the July sun blazing down on your greenery and frying your lawn. Grey water is another option to look into, but for the vast majority of folks into, you will still need to rely on city water most of the time.

Perhaps you have a penchant for a large and lush lawn and you insist upon having one. Whether it be a garden or lawn, you’re going to need a lot of water for all your horticultural needs — depending on a variety of factors, such as current weather patterns, the region you live in, and the level of gardening you’re doing. Be prepared to pay water bills that aren’t going to get any lower each month.

So if you live in a municipality or city and dependent on city water, and just can’t give up on watering the lawn, there are other things you can do to spruce up your curb appeal without breaking the bank with an inflated monthly water bill.

• Low-light, low water trees and shrubbery.

• Mix things up with mulch

• Artificial turf has come a long way, and most agree it was worth the investment.

• Invest in a Hydro Route Water Confinement System. (It literally takes the air out of you monthly water bill that is measured by your water meter. Monthly savings are about 25%.

• Slate and other natural stones

• Paving stones

Other Resources on Conservation and Sustainability:

https://www.casandraproperties.com/blog/how-solar-energy-companies-can-make-your-home-greener.html

https://www.casandraproperties.com/blog/five-eco-friendly-building-materials-that-are-revolutionizing-the-face-of-construction.html

https://www.casandraproperties.com/blog/what-uses-the-most-energy-in-your-home-the-answer-will-shock-you.html

Plumbing and water usage is critical for any salon or spa. Without ready access to ample amounts of water of the right temperature, a salon or spa wouldn’t last long. And of course, water rates are always a factor. They continue to rise over the last several decades at unprecedented rates.

Plumbing Basics

First of all, you will need the correct line or pipe diameter in order to supply ample water to reach several water outlets throughout your facility. These areas include multiple shampoo bowls, bathroom facilities, a sink for the color dispensary, a kitchen sink, and a possible dishwasher, laundry facilities, plus any needs for spa facilities such as showers, tubs, sinks or pedicure stations. Having to dig up the floor and route new plumbing for any of these water outlets can be very costly.

It’s advised to place all plumbing within common walls as much as possible. The further away from the primary water inlet and sewer access you need to run plumbing, the more expensive the renovations become. These long spans of piping, plus any added water outlets also can affect your overall water pressure. In addition to an ample supply of water and good water pressure throughout your facility, you’ll also require access to plenty of hot water, meaning that you’ll need an efficient industrial water heater.

Water Heaters

Unlike most businesses, salons, barbershops, and spas rely on a steady and constant stream of hot water throughout the day.

There are two main identifying characteristics of commercial water heaters: storage capacity and input.

First, you’ll need to identify the specific hot water requirements of your business — dishwashers, washing machines, sinks, etc.

• Your peak hours
• Your geographic location for possible seasonal impacts
• Physical footprint limitations and venting requirements and/or restrictions

There’s a wide variety of water heater models with different gallon capacities and energy inputs because each combination of these factors produces different results.

A water heater professional can calculate the type of water heater models, necessary BTUs, plus gallon capacity, and physical size of the specific water heater you will need for your salon or spa.

How Much Water is Actually Used in Salons?

The hot water load in a barber shop is not unlike that of a salon, rather it’s calculated the same way. Although less water is generally used to wash a man’s hair – than a woman’s – more high-temperature hot water is used for hot-towels, and it offsets the other.

Approximately 16 gallons of 100-degree water are used per head – representing almost 10 gallons of 140-degree water (Fahrenheit). In fact, AO Smith states it is possible under periods of peak operation – for each sink to use approximately 75 gallons of 140-degree Fahrenheit water per hour.

Water Conservation Through Hydro Route Technology

Unfortunately, the DEP’s measuring system imperfect. And whether you are a residential or commercial property owner, water meters measure not only water – but excessive air – comprising the volume in your pipes.

Water rates continue to increase year over year. We all want to do our part to save water, as well cut down on our monthly expenses. If you own a salon, there are smart valves you can use – The Hydro Route Water Confinement System saves the average business nearly 30% off their monthly water bill. Using it with a business so heavily reliant on steady water use and volume like a car wash, salon or spa, a hydro route valve installation makes sense. As you know, water rates aren’t exactly going down year over year.

Capacity Versus Recovery Rate

When operating at peak demand for your salon, you need enough hot water at the ready. When all your hot water sources are turned on simultaneously at full blast and set to hot, this is called dump load. Measured in gallons per hour (GPH), the dump load is the number of gallons of hot water your salon requires at peak demand. The next important factor with regard to water heaters the hourly input, which determines the recovery rate. The hourly output is how many gallons of hot water the water heater can produce per hour, based on the starting and ending water temperatures.

In addition, smaller-capacity tanks capacities will deplete and refill faster than larger tanks, and they’ll do so more frequently. That’s why finding the right balance between capacity and recovery is so important. Without sizing to correct dump load requirements, you run the risk of running out of hot water during your busiest business hours, according to industry professionals.

Other Resources:

Casandra Properties Blog

https://www.rosysalonsoftware.com/plumbing-for-salons-spas

https://www.hotwater.com/

https://www.nailsmag.com/381726/10-ways-to-use-water-efficiently-in-your-salon

Below are rough water usage estimates so that businesses might build an understanding as it pertain to water usage. The Hydro Route Water Confinement system can help you save on your monthly water bill in any industry.

FACILITY/ASSSET CLASS Amount of Water Used

Apartment Buildings: 150-200 gallons/unit

Barber Shops: 55 gallons/day/per chair

Beauty Salons: 270 gallons per day/per chair

Bowling Alleys: 75 gallons of water per lane

Country Club: 100 gallons a day/per resident

Factories with shower: 35 gallons per shift

Factories without shower: 25 gallons per shift

Laundromats – Coin Operated: 2.17 gpd/sq. ft.

Laundry Operations – Commercial: .253 gpd/sq. ft.

Farms (per one animal):

Cow (dairy): 15 gallons a day

Farms Hog: 4 gallons per day

Farms Horse: 12 gallons per day

Farms Steer: 12 gallons per day

Farms Chicken: (100) 10 gallons daily

Farms Turkey: (100) 18 gallons per day

Institutions:

Hospitals: 250 gallons/bed

Nursing Homes & Assisted Living Facilities: 100 gallon/bed per day

Hospitality:

Hotels: .256 gpd/sq ft

Motels: 100 gallons per unit

Movie Theatres: 2 gallons per seat

Office Building: 20 gallons per employee

Retail stores: .160gpd/sq. ft.

Trailer Parks/Mobile Homes: 100 gallons per space

Boilers: to determine daily make up in gallons

• Multiply boiler horse power by 4.25
• Then multiply (1) by hours per day operation
• Then multiply by the % operating rating
• Then subtract the % of condensate return

Cooling Towers : to determine daily make up in gallons

• Multiply the tonnage by 4. (This includes 2 gal.(7.6 liter)/hour/ton evaporation and 2 gal (7.6 liter)/hour/ton bleed off}.
• Then multiply (1) by the hours per day operation.

References and Other Resources:

Casandra Properties Blog

Apana

Watercalculator.org

DEP

Create a Plan!

The first step to getting your monthly bills under control is to create a plan. First, list down everyone
and everything you owe, how much you owe them, and the exact amount you’re behind in each. Be
sure to include what the minimum monthly payment is, so you’re able to lay out a clear timeline into
the future.
Should there be a company currently hassling you with phone calls, pay them FIRST. Your mental
health is important, and it makes the most sense to pay these parties first. Obviously, everyone’s
situation will range in severity.

Try to File for an Extension

To give you a chance to catch up on bills, ask for an extension. Pick up the phone and tell the
company about your situation. Even if you’ve missed a payment, make contact so that you are able
to discuss terms and come to a mutually beneficial payment plan.

Create Your Budget

Not sure how to get caught up on bills? Google how to start making a budget. That’s the easy part.
Alongside the due and overdue payments, you must include high-priority expenses like home, food,
utilities. If not, your situation will grow exponentially worse. And that’s not the direction you want to
be going in.
Remember to drop unnecessary expenses like gym memberships, Netflix, other platforms, new
clothing, upgraded iPhones. You may not have to cut these expenses entirely as many companies let
you suspend their services until you can pay.

Cut Down on Utilities: Use Water and Energy Responsibly

If you have a water bill to pay, you should save water and do things like turning off the faucet when
you brush your teeth. You can even purchase a low-flow shower head. There are many ways to save
on your monthly water bill – like the Hydro Route Smart Valve. If you are a retail, commercial, or
business owner, or director of an institution or hospital, you should look into alternative ways to save
money on your water bill.
We should all be doing our part for sustainability, conserving energy, and saving water anyway. Cut
down on electricity use. If you have children, keep on them about turning off the lights when they
leave a room. I should say there are quite a number of grown adults who are guilty of this, as well.
Hopefully, you have already converted to LED lighting. Adjust your air conditioning units, accordingly
and don’t let them run all day. In this era of Coronavirus, it’s a good idea to have windows open as
much as possible for proper ventilation.

Live Within Your Means and/or Ask for Help.

During this time, you really need to reevaluate your needs and live within your means. Is moving in
with a friend or family member during a short period of time an option for you, and perhaps you can
sublet out your apartment at a higher rate? With extra rent money, you can put that toward extra
bills. That’s not always an option everyone. However, if you are blessed to have someone who can
‘put up with you’ for a bit, maybe it’s worth asking?

Cut Down on Car Use When Possible

You should also be considering your automotive needs and the car you drive. You could reevaluate
whether your family needs two vehicles?
Public transportation like subways and buses — always an option, as well biking and walking when
you can – even healthier choices to make.

Do Not Use Your Credit Cards!

I call this ‘cutting up your credit cards mentally.’ By all means, if there are old department store ones
that you never use anymore, sure, cancel them and cut them up. In fact, it’s a great idea for most
people to do this. You should do this especially if you’re unexpectedly faced with financial hardship
and stress – or at its worst — the possible foreclosure of your home, which you don’t want, either.
If you’re feeling stressed about money and finding yourself a little bit in hot water, you should not be
making any unnecessary expenditures at all now — especially not on credit!
If you need to hide the actual cards, hide them – or give it to your spouse. Don’t be afraid to ask a
loved one to look after them unless it’s to buy essential items only!!

Be Disciplined and Catch Up on Bills

Be disciplined, mindful, and diligent about how you are spending your money. Start by creating a
payment plan so you can re-pay the most important lenders first and create a realistic budget plan
you’ll stick to. Cut back on unnecessary expenses, confide in loved ones, and hide credit cards if it
helps. And, if possible, find additional avenue streams so it’s quicker to pay everything back
Look for ways to Supplement Your Income
Budgeting and cutting expenses may not be enough in your financial situation. Perhaps you might
want to drive at a rideshare company like Uber, pick up some overtime at your job, or look for some
customer service positions online?

Sometimes you have to hustle, and this is one of those times. Is there something you can do from
home, freelancing, typing, transcription work, virtual assistant? While sadly many businesses have
been suffering during this Coronavirus Pandemic – it is also a great time to network digitally and get
some gig work.
Seek Help From Others When You Can
Again, if you are an impulsive buyer and make expensive purchases without much thought, please
seek the help of a loved one.
Going through this experience can be a very emotionally taxing experience, so confide in your close
friends.
Don’t be afraid to talk about your financial issues. There is a good chance they have been in a similar
situation or are able to support you in other ways – or lead you to a professional.
Good Luck!!

Here are some key tips you should follow!

Location, Location, Location.

Yes, the familiar expression applies to all areas of real estate – residential, commercial, business, and car washes, of course! Drive around your target areas, pay attention to traffic patterns, surrounding businesses. See a licensed experienced real state professional. Is there competition in the area? Sure, look around on Crexi and LoopNet, but definitely speak with a Realtor FIRST.

Check out your Competitors

Go for a few rides – and see what’s out there. What if they improve their car wash after you open your carwash. Do they have debt, and can they cut prices to outcompete you (with interest payments) in the short term? Do they have a base of loyal customers for over 20 years? do your research.

Do the Paperwork, Homework

Find out which local city or county agency handles business licenses. Then, request an application from them, as well as local utility usage codes, tax rates, and insurance requirements. 

Each city and municipality has their own set of rules. Make sure you speak with professionals and understand everything. You should also get information on sewers for your waste water, utility rates, and water rates, obviously. You may want to consider greener alternatives and a hydro route water conservation system as proactive measures. Water rates have increased 70% nationally across the last decade. (And they’re certainly not going to get lower.

You will Need a Taxpayer Identification Number

You will also need a Taxpayer Identification Number, and you will need to research the US Patent and Trademark Office’s search tool to make certain your brand doesn’t already exist. This way you can register for it.

Planning and Approval Process

Set an appointment with the city planner. Show them a rendering of your idea and try to get verbal approval of the design, that, or a list of issues you may need to address. If you have approval, you can set up a formal meeting to present your plans and have them voted on at a city council meeting. Good luck to you! 

Can you deal with the water rates?

Water is quite expensive, and rates continue to rise. And let’s face it, you’re in a business that’s heavily involved with water. There are many ways to save on your monthly water bill – like the Hydro Route Smart Valve. If you are a retail, commercial, or business owner, or director of an institution or hospital, you should look into alternative ways to save money on your water bill.

Research other Carwashes

Do your fieldwork! What makes certain businesses more successful than others? They have studied their potential competitors and several models first. There are automatic carwashes, partially automatic, express, detailing, and others. 

Prepare a Business Plan

Your car wash should be focused on both the short term and the long term operations. Consult with professionals. And remember – the better your plan looks, the better it will look to investors or the bank.

Operations Decisions

Will you run an independent car wash, a franchise, LLC, or S-Corp? Each model has its own benefits and drawbacks. “Franchises offer support at the cost of the residual. Solo operations offer total freedom, but deprive you of Brand Awareness, says Tommy of Tommy Car Wash Systems.

Further Reading:

Tommy Car Wash Systems

Auto Finesse

Casandra Properties Real Estate Blog

Casandra Properties YouTube channel and our free weekly podcast with Host James Prendamano!

Golf Courses across the United States soak over two billion gallons of water per day for irrigation. That’s about 130,000 gallons per day per course, according to theUSGA. 

And as a response to new mandates over the last decade and shifting attitudes toward sustainability, golf courses, too, have made ‘greener’ efforts. The golf industry uses a substantial amount of water, and as a result continue to make courses more sustainable with new irrigation technologies, new types of grass, and other eco-friendly efforts.

Reducing Water Use and Costs on Golf Courses Hydro Route

Few golf courses have the ability to access well-water to irrigate their greens. In fact, many of them still must turn to municipal water supplies. Additionally, due to the inherently flawed way in which the DEP measures water, billions of gallons of water are wasted annually — along with billions of dollars. Water rates have climbed upwards of 70% over the last ten years.

Hydro Route’s Water Confinement system featuring Smart Valve mitigates this problem. It can cut your monthly water bill by nearly 25% for large commercial properties like golf courses. Water and sewer bills continue to soar year over year, increasing nearly 70% since 2010, compared to a 20% increase across other expenses and utilities, including food.  

The patented technology of the Smart Valve Hydro Route Water Confinement System compresses air in the piping, eliminating its volume before it reaches the water meter. The meter no longer measures water and air, only water. And you pay significantly less for the same water usage. 

Excessive Air in Pipes is a Two-Fold Problem

Smart Valve reduces the amount of air in the water – within the piping – so it also effectively slows down the process of corrosion on your irrigation system infrastructure, i.e. valves, piping, and any metal components in the system exposed to air. 

Even if water conservation is not at the core of your interest (because you have access to well water or a natural body), the Hydro Route Water Confinement System is a wise investment! The Smart Valve helps you avoid avoid costly repairs by reducing the corrosion process as it eliminates air from your water delivery systems. 

Smart Valve becomes an addition to your existing preventative maintenance program. An insurance policy against costly and unplanned downtime and repairs.

Smart Valve and the Hydro Route Water Confinement System.

According to the USGA, it is estimated there are over 1.5 million acres of maintained turfgrass (greens, tees, fairways, rough) on golf facilities across the United States. An estimated 1.2 million acres or 80% of maintained turfgrass is irrigated. From 2001-2005, an estimated total of 31,877 acres of irrigated turfgrass were added to existing golf facilities in the U.S, the greatest net gain in irrigated acreage.

While 46% of golf courses use water from on-site wells, many rely on water for not only irrigation, but clubhouses, restaurants, showers, and facilities – and only about 15% have the ability to use recycled water.

Further Reading:

Inside Science

GCSAA

Department of Energy

While upgrading your water heater to a more efficient tank can help you conserve water and cut down on your water bill, Smart Valve is by far the smartest tool every homeowner and commercial property owner should invest in. Everyone is looking for ways to save money on their utility bills, namely their monthly water bills. As we all know, water rates continue to rise year after year; they will certainly not be decreasing.  

When the DEP reads the customer’s water meter, the customer is not only charged based on total water usage by volume, they are also charged for pockets of air trapped in the lines. The customer is being charged by total volume not water, and 99% of all meters out there do not detect the difference. In fact, as much as 30% of the customer’s water bill is reflective of air.  

Smart Valve for the Homeowner and the Commercial Property Investor

Smart Valve is ideal for multifamily properties, manufacturing, irrigation, car washes, medical and healthcare facilities, and not-for-profit organizations, commercial tenants, and even home owners. 

Smart Valve is one of the smartest choices for residential and commercial property owners can make. The customer is conserving water, saving on their monthly utility expenses, and those savings will add up tremendously. In fact, the average savings for customers is 23% off their current water bill.

What is Smart Valve?

The Smart Valve is a patented device that is made in the USA and installed on the user side of the customer’s incoming water line. This creates a steady back pressure through their water meter. Without the meter ‘over-spinning,’ customers will no longer get charged for pockets of air passing through their meter. Smart Valve has a variable-flow control process which will eliminates water-meter inaccuracy and excessive water consumption. Smart Valve offers a 90-day money-back guarantee and a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Key Facts About Water Costs

Water and sewer bills are soaring. Both water and sewer costs have increased nearly 70% since 2010, compared to a 20% increase across other expenses. In fact, in fiscal year 2019-2020, both water and sewer rates increased 4% and 8%, respectively. It is projected that a building spending $10,000 a month today on water — will be spending $16,000 a month within 10 years — and that’s only projected at a 5% average increase per year!

How does the Smart Valve Work?

The Smart Valve compresses air, eliminating its volume before it reaches the water meter – the meter no longer measures it, so you pay significantly less for the same water usage. 

Valve Specifications

Valves are available in all standard plumbing sizes. The valve is made in double-flanged and double threaded (female NPT) configurations according to your pipe size. 

The Installation

The Smart Valve is designed to be installed on the user side of the water meter. All installations will be handled by Prestige Plumbing. All valve’s come with a 90-day money-back guarantee and a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty. 

National Brands Currently Saving Money With The Smart Valve

A number of major national brands are satisfied with their purchase of Smart Valve including Holiday Inn; Days Inn; Lowe’s; OHM Hotels; Hyatt; Abbott; Marriott; DoubleTree Hotel; Outback Steakhouse; Hampton Inn; Roche, and Best Western.

Client Testimonials . . . 

“I am writing to tell you the results of our Fiscal Department’s audit. After five full months of use with the Smart Valve in place, our savings were reported by Fiscal to be 24.9%, a savings of $12,600 at this building. This represents a one-year payback period. I have to say that this audit result is among the clearest and most beneficial savings initiatives I’ve ever been involved with. As a result, we will be evaluating all of the 22 buildings for Smart Valve installation. I am attaching the audit spreadsheet, as well as the rate and usage printouts taken right off the NYC DEP website.”

Bruce A. Brandt

Met Council

New York, NY

“Highland Towers’ monthly water has ranged from $8,000 – $13,000 per month over the last year. months. After installing the Smart Valve, our current water bills have been reduced by over 50%, now ranging from $2,000 – $5,000 per month.”

Justin Whitney, ROCO Real Estate

Highland Towers Highrise Apartment Building, Southfield Michigan. 

What can the customer expect? 

Installations will be booked by appointment. Typical residential installations should take approximately 2 hours, while commercial applications should take between 2-4 hours. All installations require that the water main to be shut off; some installations may require a pre-installation inspection. 

Smart Valve Offers a Shared Savings Program

Prestige Industry Solutions offers Shared Savings for its customers. The customer will be eligible for two types of installations.

1. Purchase & Install Program – This program is generally reserved for the smaller customers such as homeowners. You will be provided with a price sheet for the valve and installation based on the water main size. As sales reps you will be entitled to a percentage of the total sale which will be defined in your sales contract. 

1. The entire cost of the valve, installation and materials shall be paid entirely by Prestige Industry Solutions. The customer will have no out of pocket expense. This program is reserved for large-volume customers only. The customer will then pay Prestige Industry Solutions based on the realized savings on each quarterly bill. For this program the customer will pay 50% of the savings for a 10-year period. 

According to the EPA, with the US population doubling over the past 50 years, our need for water has tripled. With nearly 40 states anticipating water shortages by the year 2024, the need for conserving water is more critical than ever. Additionally, our water bills have become incredibly costly, haven’t they? Unlike all other expenses, water rates have soared exponentially over the last decade, upwards of 70% (i.e. food has only increased 20%).

Here are some easy ways to cut down and conserve water use. Not only will you be making an eco-friendly and responsible decision, you’ll be cutting a good-sized chunk out of your monthly water bill. 

Easy Ways To Conserve Water and Cut Down On Monthly Expenses.

Fix Those Leaky Faucets!

Little by little, those droplets add up in a big way. A faucet that is leaking 60 drops per minute will waste almost 200 gallons per month and over 2,300 gallons per year!

Wash Full Loads of Laundry.

Of course, there are some times when you just need to ‘throw a few things in the wash.’ Try not to make a regular habit of it. Not only does that waste water, it puts unnecessary wear and tear on your washing machine. Only wash full loads of laundry. Not only will it reduce the number of times you have to run the machine, it saves a great amount of water and will help you cut down on your monthly water bill. In addition, when it’s time to replace your washing machine, choose an energy efficient model. 

Limit or Shorten Your Showers.

And if you’re able – do both! No one is saying not to bathe daily. But I’ll bet you know a few folks who like to hop in more than one shower a day – unless you’re covered in tar, it’s not necessary. Also, shower after working out, not before and after. Showers account for 17% of home water use, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Long showers will run up your water bill faster than anything else. The average shower is about 8 minutes long. See if you can cut it down to at least 6 minutes. You will soon notice a difference in 

Use your Dishwasher!

Yes, you heard correctly. Believe it or not, running your dishwasher is more efficient and uses less water than handwashing your dishes. If you don’t have a dishwasher, put a stopper in the drain and fill the sink with sudsy water, rather than letting the water run. When using your dishwasher, be sure to wash a full load at once. You should never use the pre-rinse option, either. Keep the cycle simple. When it’s time to replace your dishwasher, opt for an energy-efficient model, as with your washing machine. 

Turn off the Faucet When You Brush Your Teeth.

You’d be surprised how much water is wasted from a running faucet for two minutes. That’s 4 minutes per day; that is two whole hours of wasted running water per person a month.

Invest in a Smart Valve

A smart valve is a wise investment from homeowners to the investors of commercial real estate – not to mention businesses who heavily rely on large volumes of water (Car Washes, Hair Salons, Spas, golf courses, hospitals, stadiums.) The Smart Valve does not lessen the flow of water. It reduces the amount of air that the DEP reads as ‘total volume’ from your water meter, which can be as much as 30%. The Smart Valve compresses air, eliminating its volume before it reaches the water meter. As the meter no longer measures the air, you pay about 25% less on your monthly water bill.

Don’t let the Faucet Run While You’re Brushing Your Teeth

Letting the faucet run while you shave or brush your teeth is wasteful, as the vast majority of the water isn’t being used. Fill the sink with soapy water when you’re shaving; and be sure to shut off the water as you brush your teeth. Wet the toothbrush and rinse the toothbrush. That’s all you need to do. 

Choose Low-Flow Toilets

How many people live in your household? Now think about how many times a day your toilet is flushed. Older toilets use between 3-7 gallons of water per flush. A high-efficiency toilet typically uses about 1-2 gallons per flush. You are saving a tremendous amount of water and cutting down tremendously on your water bill, as well. 

Remember, water is a precious resource and we should all do our part in saving water!

Resources and Related Links:

Casandra Properties Blog

Environmental Protection Agency

Conservation Institute

Energy Star

Market Watch

HGTV

As we know, Going Green has been a thing for quite some time. 

The construction industry has begun using eco-friendly building materials, as more and more folks are looking to conserve water, energy, and natural resources. People are continuing to shift their  focus to sustainability and the environment. Of course, builders are also faced with mandates about reducing carbon emissions, as the Climate Mobilization Act continues to change the old way of doing things. 

In recent years, these environmentally friendly products and materials have revolutionized the industry and will only continue to do so. revolutionized the industry in recent years. The following are the top eco-friendly trends in this industry.

Living Roofs

Live roofs, living roofs, or green roofs consist of soil, plants, flowers, rocks, and other natural features. They make up an overlay of eco-friendly vegetation. Live roofs have a lifespan of approximately 40 years when kept in good condition. On the other hand, a standard roof has a lifespan of roughly 20 years. Live roofs are frequently used in hotels. They have a fantastic look and easily stand out. The following are some benefits of a live, green roof.

• Green roofs provides an buffer for rainwater – and more so recycle that rainwater

• Green roofs are oxygenators and air purifiers.  

• They play integral role in regulating indoor temperatures in any season.

• These roofs encourages biodiversity and save energy. Green environments and surroundings are vibrant and exude that happiness to the people in those spaces. This is part of an ongoing trend called biophilic living spaces – which speaks to sustainability, environmental conscientiousness, and natural aesthetics.

Interesting fact: The Ansonia Luxury Hotel on the Upper West Side in New York City had the first living farm on its roof in the early 20^th century. The farm included vegetation, as well as a variety of animals – until it were eventually closed down by the department of health after several years. 

Insulated Concrete Forms 

Wood frame home construction as been around for decades. However, like water prices rising, the price of lumber continues to rise for obvious reasons – and at an alarmingly high rate. Problems with wood frame constructions include: damage due to strong winds; contraction and expansion due to weather; and wood frames are prone to fire destruction.

ICF is an efficient solution to wood frameworks – Not only is it durable, it is both fire-resistant and moisture-resistant.

Reclaimed Wood Trim

Wood may not be the best material for frames, but it is suitable for other uses. Reclaimed wood is commonly used to create hardwood shelves, cabinetry, and floors. It is also preferred for decorative wall paneling. Reclaimed lumber saves new timber from being cut down. It is a key component of being eco-friendly and upcycling. 

Straw Bale Construction

Traditional straw bale home construction is a low-tech and affordable way to be ecologically responsible with the building of your home. Straw bales can be made using waste from the agricultural industry. The common plants used include wheat, rice, rye, and oats straw. Benefits of straw bale construction:

· Straw bales are biodegradable but can last for more than 100 years. However, they need proper maintenance for this to happen.

· The insulation provided by straw bales is more effective in hot and cold climates. Homes remain essentially comfortable in any weather.

Solar Shingles

Solar shingle technology is helping do away with the large solar panels. Solar shingles are designed to fit and blend with your roof design. They are decorative and also serve the function of tiles. Their use has become a popular trend for the following reasons:

• Installation is easy.

• They reduce energy bills; help you cut down on utilities.

• Solar shingles are quite easy to maintain and replace if necessary.

• They offer a clean, natural source of energy, thus reducing your family’s carbon footprint and helping in the efforts of climate change and sustainability. 

The availability of eco-friendly materials has transformed the construction industry. It has made builders construct more environmentally friendly houses. The majority of these materials are affordable, durable, and safe for your surroundings. These materials are important to the industry as we move toward more environmental consciousness and improve our sustainability efforts.  

Other Green, Eco-Friendly Building Materials:

• Bamboo

• Earthen materials: adobe, rammed earth

• Stone – Naturally occurring and long lasting, stone is versatile. It can be used for exterior walls and flooring. It holds up very well against weathering.

• Cork – A great insulator, cork can help you save money on electric during those cold winter months. Corkboard insulation also makes for great sound insulation.

• Sand bags

• Cellulose, which is recycled paper waste used globally for structural insulation.

• Slate roofing 

• Steel – Steel roof panels and shingles are highly durable and can be recycled repeatedly. Steel is among the best green choices for roofing. 

• Thatch – Made of dry straw and dry reed, these are the oldest roofing materials. It is widely available, cheap, and an excellent insulator. 

• Fiberglass – It is used in the form of fiberglass bats and although it contains some toxic binding agents, its superior insulation efficiency – it is considered a green building material.

• Polyurethane foam is available in spray form. It offers great insulation and prevents air leakage. 

• Cotton – Natural fibers like cotton and wool can also be used as insulation materials; these fibers can be converted into a batt and installed in preformed wooden frame sections. 

Related Links:

Casandra Properties Blog

TheConstructor.org

Nine Ways To Save Water Today