Friday, August 31, 2012

Live Green - The Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy Home Systems

If you want to reduce the use of natural resources while doing something good for the environment then solar energy home systems may be right for you.

Can there be a case made for the broad the use of solar energy home systems? Is it a viable alternative or is it a supplement to the power supplied to us by our utilities? Can I save money and if so will it be enough to recover the cost of installation? These are just some of the questions that are being asked even today after solar energy systems have been around for years.

Here are the pros of investing in solar energy home systems.

· Solar energy is renewable and available and there are at least two other forms of renewable energy that nature provides and they are water and wind. All of which appear to be equally renewable and great alternatives to fossil fuel generated power. What makes solar energy the most desirable source of renewable energy for the home is that it doesn't require complicated delivery system or grid to provide power to your home. It's already there!

· Solar energy home systems give off no emissions. Fossil fuels release carbon dioxide emissions into our atmosphere. According to the EPA, traditional methods of producing electricity generating more than 15,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year per household. Carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas emitted through human activities. The combustion of fossil fuels to generate electricity is the largest single source of CO2 emissions in the United States.

· Solar energy home systems are scalable to meet your needs and budget. These systems can be built to provide power as a backup system for an appliance or pump, a remote utility shed, a supplement to your homes current power grid or to power your entire home. This flexibility allows you to jump right in, or experiment with different applications and/or power levels to reach your projected needs. As needs change so can you change your system. This also helps you when budgeting for a project.

· Solar energy home systems save money by producing electricity without ongoing costs. The sun's energy is free!

· Solar energy home systems can be purchased and installed by a contractor or assemble and installed by a homeowner. Similar quality levels can be achieved with either choice.

· There are tax credits available for qualified installations.

Here are the cons that might make you want to modify or hold off on purchasing solar energy home systems.

· Solar energy home systems initial cost can be high. To install a whole home system is a similar investment to remodeling the kitchen so you have to be in a situation where you can get a return on your investment. Initial cash outlay can easily be over $20,000 for an entire home. Significantly less if you're a do-it-yourselfer and have time to dedicate to the project.

· Tax credits are not available on homemade solar panel systems.

· Location matters and affects your final cost. A home located in the Sun Belt will collect twice the energy in one day of the same panel located in New England as an example. Climate conditions such as cloud cover and hours of daylight or shade need to be taken into consideration on calculating system needs.

· Solar energy home systems cannot collect energy at night. This is less of an issue if your plan is to supplement an existing power supply but if you have a more ambitious solar energy plan you will need to have storage for the energy to carry you through the night.

Conclusion: If money is no object or you are willing to build it yourself with a guide; or have a desire to make a difference by reducing your impact on the environment you really have no choice. You can take a big step in and attempt to replace the traditional system or scale it back to provide you with a backup system or supplemental system. All of which can help you meet your goal. For everyone else, maybe waiting a year or two will make a difference. As technology improves, two things tend to happen. The product gets better and more efficient and shortly after the price comes down as innovation and efficiencies gained momentum. Either way I think this renewable source of energy is here to stay.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Underlays Usage for Rugs

Rug underlays act like foundations of a building. A good underlay is of a vital importance as it can help in extending the life of your rug by about 40%. It helps to reduce the noise effects as well as make the feel of the rug softer and cosier. With new carpets which are secondary or jute backed an underlay is an essential layer for the floor. Although textile and felt backed rugs can be laid directly on to the floor, they increase heat loss of the rooms through the floor and don't give a very comfortable feeling. Furthermore, laying down carpets without an underlay means that you cannot use the gripper to stretch he carpet according to the shape of the room and it could leave a much unfinished look to the entire installation. Some benefits of installing a rug underlay are:

    It holds the rugs firmly in the place.

    It can extend the life of your rug.

    It reduces any noise reflection from the surface of the floor.

    It acts as a thermal barrier and does not allow the room heat to escape through the floor.

    It helps in preventing any foundation damage to the floor.

    It provides a soft and cosy feel to walk on.

    It provides protection from any hazards of tripping and falling by cushioning, thus making your floor skid-proof.

    These underlay fabrics are designed to last and hence do not shed, tear or crumble.

    It is absolutely harmless to carpets and floors alike.

    They are odourless thus preventing any odour or foul smell to accumulate on your rug.

    They are extremely easy to install.

Different Types of Rug Underlays

There are many kinds of rug underlays available and you can choose the one which suits your needs the most. Here are a few most common in use:

    Foam Underlay: This is the most sold and popular underlay. These are made out of recycles sponge which are covered with a protective covering of sawdust, compost, or paper and then compressed together with steam. After the process it is cut into various thicknesses of 7mm, 9mm and 11mm. The benefit of this underlay is its soft, absorbs sound and gives thermal insulation. The only disadvantage is that it cannot be recycled.

    Wool Felt Underlay: Although fairly new, because of its extremely high comfort and thermal qualities, this underlay is catching up pretty quickly. Inspired from the traditional underlays of jute and hessian fibres - which were not very comfortable, these are made out of a softer material - wool. The advantages of this underlay are it gives very high thermal insulation thereby reducing electricity bills, reduces noise considerably, gives a softer walking experience, is environment friendly and cheaper than other types of underlays.

    Rubber Underlay: This underlay is now much in decline with the introduction of foam and wool underlays, but was most commonly used in the past decades. The flat textured sponge in these give a more firm grip and does not compress. The advantages of this are its firmness, high noise reduction and long lasting. The downside is it can't be recycled, is expensive and has very poor heat retention.


Sunday, August 12, 2012

Cleanup Poly Plastic Material Bags

Plastics area device terribly durable components and you'll understand them in almost all the items of our businesses daily use really the computers, potato chips, television, electric cables, liquid containers, car windshields, plastic material sacs, plumbing water pipes, leaf tea cups, as well as numerous additional. In fact, plastics have become Connect in Nursing inseparable element of human life. you will be able to actually go a step any address correspondence that without plastic our fashionable being is unimaginable. You head to a market and in addition the supplier provides the items you have had gotten purchased in poly plastic bags.

You take our luggage home and also utilize them to store things or dispose them off of of because waste. Around our businesses countless years the employment of plastic has got enlarged to this kind of   extent that the plastic wastes produced have grown up to be a significant cause for air contamination. Besides the enlarged use, its non-biodegradable nature also plays a really important character in the contamination. dominating of contamination brought by plastic is now a burning topic of governing bodies because in length and immerse because much as account a number of measures for example incinerating, land-filling, and in addition use.

First 2 measures have been being victorious to a couple extent in stopping the pollution however unsuccessful in yet another aspects like upon the market of home, pollution since a result of incineration, and others. The final live, i.e., utilize has got been some sort of affordable as well as useful are living when it comes to plastic material administration. it is useful to understand which poly bag manufacturer cartels have produced plastic material sacs that ar reusable.

These materials have engaging graphics, information concerning your preferred brand and also are durable sufficient to hold extra things. along with that our sacs take the market in numerous designs as well as sizes and also forms to assist you carry diverse things. you will be able to additionally keep these bags in conjunction with other sacs to ensure that you can utilize them consecutive time you move to the marketplace. When they ever happen to wear away, you can recycle them  substance treatment.

The  of poly plastic material sacs could conserve a lot when it comes to fuel, raw materials, price tag of production, waste management, and others. when you recycle things like this you will be additionally serving to to cut back the intense of the raw supplies needed to stock brand new sacs. It also decreases the gas consumed for production new plastic material sacs by 20-40%. Another significant advantage is the decrease in air and land pollution caused during the course of the process of plastic material disposal. emploi additionally diminishes co2 foot prints and recently many organizations are taking steps to recycle the poly plastic material sacs.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Inorganic Industrial Degreasing Solvents Present Safety Issues

Industrial degreasing solvents are used as a cleaning agent in professional parts washing and machinery washing. These chemicals might be sprayed, brushed, or wiped directly onto the surface of the contaminated part to remove grease, dirt, or dust. While these degreasers effectively remove contaminants from machinery and extend the useful life of these parts, some of these liquids contain unsafe compounds. When businesses do not properly research the chemicals that they utilize, they run the risk of harming employees and the environment by exposing them to toxic chemicals. This article will take a look at some of the most dangerous substances contained in the industrial degreasing solvents. Business owners should familiarize themselves with the compounds in this article so that they will be able to identify unsafe chemicals and keep them from harming employees and the surrounding environment.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have made a point to focus on the presence of VOCs in cleaning products. In reality, VOCs are safe when consumed in small doses but when individuals are exposed to a high level of VOCs they could experience health issues. Symptoms of high VOC exposure include nausea, headaches, kidney damage, liver damage, and a shutdown of the central nervous system. It is important for companies to evaluate the VOC levels in industrial degreasing solvents before making a purchase.

Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)

Degreasers that contain HAPs are problematic because when these substances are used, they emit harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. Individuals who work in environments where HAPs are present could inhale these pollutants and become sick. Depending on how long an individual is exposed to HAPs, he or she can develop dizziness, upset stomach, breathing issues, infertility, or nerve damage. Luckily companies can prevent the introduction of HAPs into the workspace by obtaining a list of HAPs from the EPA and using this list when evaluating the degreasers that are available on the market. Being thorough during a search will allow the company to save money by avoiding costly lawsuits and insurance price hikes.

Isopropyl Alcohol

Found in some degreasers, isopropyl alcohol is another toxin that can harm humans. The chemical leads to dry skin and drowsiness while irritating the eyes, nose, and throat. Another major risk associated with using isopropyl alcohol is that it is a very flammable substance, so its presence in a working environment can produce an unsafe workplace for employees.

Acetone

Acetone is another ingredient that is found in some industrial degreasing solvents that is also an extreme fire hazard. Employees who come in frequent contact with acetone have reported skin dryness, headaches, and even eyes, nose, and throat irritation.

Freon

Freon is not a common ingredient in industrial degreasing solvents but is still present in some solutions. While this chemical contains a low level of toxicity and low fire hazard level, it can still cause employees to experience dry skin and light headedness.