Comparing Gas and Electric Hot Water Heaters
In modern homes, hot water heaters come in two different types, gas or electric. Which one is used depends mostly upon the availability and price of natural gas or propane, which can be more thrifty than electricity. Some homes are adapting to solar hot water heaters, but overall, electric and gas hot water heaters are far more common.
The distinction between gas and electric hot water heaters is relatively rudimentary. One uses a supply of natural gas or propane, which is conveyed directly into the home or delivered by a service company, and the other uses household electricity from the grid. The price distinction between the two commodities is usually the deciding factor in making a choice about which type of hot water heater to use. Since they are approximately the same size, they are usually interchangeable wherever they are installed.
Gas and electrical hook ups should be completed only by qualified technicians or licensed plumbers. It’s always a good idea to check the local building code for any installation requirements that you have to follow. This includes the proper connection of the Temperature and Pressure Relief (T&PR) valve and relief tube, which relives a heater of overheated water if the temperature control malfunctions.
Lighting and Energy Efficiency
As a former educator and former psychotherapist, I have continually had a common notion about people reinforced: We are creatures of habit and change doesn’t come easy for any of us. With respect to our living environment, this is particularly true. It generally takes some kind of jolt or “smack in the face” to get us to consider making changes in where and how we live.
One of the strongest motivators in prompting people to change comes from information on how to save money particularly when we find we can get the same benefits from using things that are more efficient and cost-effective.
This article is a brief synopsis of ways that you can save money on your lighting costs. Implement some of these suggestions and you will notice a change in the bottom line of your electric bill. Remember, that these savings add up month after month and at the end of the year, a tally will prove that you’ve made a wise move.
Film Lighting and Why We Need It
What is ‘film lighting’, and do we need it? Will we ever be able to just turn on our camcorders and start shooting without making any effort or giving any thought to lighting the scene? Possibly, in a galaxy far, far away where they have special ‘lighting droids’ which assist the cinematographer by beeping, refusing donuts and running up and down ladders all day without complaint. At the moment though, as filmmakers, we need to think about the direction, colour and quality of light and how it helps us to tell our story.
Why do we need lighting?
Lighting our films creates depth, atmosphere and a type of ‘reality’ that engages the viewer’s brain and helps create the believability necessary to sustain the world we’re depicting. Flat, dull and lifeless scenes just give the viewer a reason to stop downloading press ‘eject’ on the dvd player.
