Should I Buy a Solar-Powered Water heater?

It is important to sort out the truth from the myth when it comes to making a purchase and commitment as big as a solar hot water heater.  Solar energy is a fast-growing form of energy collection for homes across the Longview, TX area. This is leading many people who already have solar-powered homes, or are looking into making the switch, to wonder “should I buy a solar water heater?” There are quite a few misconceptions when it comes to buying hot water heaters, and it is important to sort out the truth from the myth when it comes to making a purchase and commitment as big as a solar hot water heater. Price: While not so much a misconception, it needs to be understood that solar water heaters are by far the most expensive type of water heater. They typically cost upwards of $3000 in installation costs. Energy Costs: Solar water heaters are the absolute best way to save money on your hot water bills. Solar water heaters have the potential to decrease a household’s carbon footprint by at least 50%. Colder areas: In areas that have the potential to freeze from time to time, (North Texas) heaters will need an anti-freeze system installed. Another additional cost upfront. Home location: The location of your home is extremely important when deciding if your home would be a good candidate for solar water heating. Making sure you live in a location that gets relatively consistent sun is important. In our area, the main concern would be houses that have a lot of large shady trees. Bad Weather: Typically, another upfront cost is a backup energy supply. This will come in handy if you have an extended period of cloudy, bad weather. Maintenance costs: Since solar water heaters are so complicated, the water heaters require much more maintenance. If you think a solar water heater is right for you, or have any more questions, please contact the expert Longview plumbers at Bird Dog Plumbing. Our technicians are always ready to help find the water heater that fits your household’s...
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What Type of Water Heater is Right For Me?

When your water heater is starting to reach the end of its life cycle, many customers have a hard time figuring out which type of water heater is right for them when they need a replacement. There are many different types of water heaters which makes this such a daunting task. Luckily the Longview plumbers at Bird Dog Plumbing are here to help make your search as simple as possible! Fuel Types One of the first things to consider when selecting a water heater is what type of fuel will be used to power it. The two most common types are Gas –  Gas is used to heat most conventional forms of water heaters. It is widely available and has a relatively low energy cost. Gas also re-heat very quickly. This really comes in handy if you have a large family and know that multiple people will be using hot water at the same time. Electricity –  Like Gas, one of the major pros of electricity is that it is widely available. A major pro is that it does not have really any of the safety concerns that come with using a gas system. Electric water heaters are also smaller and easier to connect. Typically electric water heaters work best for smaller households. They are slightly slower at heating up water, and use more energy; so using them if you use lots of hot water is not super economical. Types of Water Heaters There are a lot of different types of water heaters. This is why figuring out which one fits your house best is so difficult. However, knowing which kind of fuel you are going to use narrows down the options. Here are some of the most common types of water heaters: Storage– Storage water heaters are probably the most common, and the ones that everyone pictures when they think about water heaters. They are basically large tanks that hold hot water from the top and heats up the cold water at the bottom. The biggest pros of theses are that they are so inexpensive to purchase. They are also really good for households that use lots of hot water at the same time. However, they waste a lot of energy due to the fact that they are always on standby. Tankless– Tankless water heaters are also known as demand-type or instantaneous water heaters. This type of heater...
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How to Prevent Your Pipes from Bursting (Video)

 Pipes and cold temperatures don’t mix. Cold temperatures pose a significant risk to the integrity of water lines and the consequences of a burst pipe can be financially devastating. Safeguarding your pipes, particularly in unheated areas like basements and attics, is crucial to avoid costly property damage. To ensure the safety and longevity of your plumbing system in the face of freezing weather, consider implementing the following strategies. 1. Explore Your Pipe Insulation Options: Investing in pipe insulation can be surprisingly affordable, with prices starting at just 50 cents per linear foot at your local hardware store. This small expense can provide invaluable protection against freezing temperatures. 2. Keep Garage Doors Closed: Preventing the cold from infiltrating your garage is essential in safeguarding your water supply lines, which may run through this space. By keeping your garage doors closed, you create an additional barrier against the chill. 3. Open Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinet Doors: Allowing warm air to circulate around your plumbing by keeping cabinet doors open in these areas can be a simple yet effective method of protection. This helps maintain a more consistent temperature in those spaces and mitigates the risk of frozen pipes. 4. Let Cold Water Drip from a Faucet: All it takes is a tiny, constant trickle of cold water from a faucet to prevent your pipes from freezing solid. This continuous flow keeps water moving and lowers the chances of a damaging freeze. 5. Maintain a Steady Thermostat Setting: While turning down the thermostat at night might save a few dollars on your energy bill, it’s advisable to keep it at a fixed temperature during cold spells. This ensures that your home’s interior remains warm enough to protect your water lines. 6. Consider Long-Term Insulation: To provide lasting protection for your water pipes, consider adding insulation to your attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Adequate insulation helps maintain a consistent temperature, reducing the risk of pipes freezing. If you find yourself facing frozen or burst pipes, it’s important to act swiftly. Turn on the affected faucet and apply heat until the water pressure is fully restored. Remember that the effort and expenses required for preventive measures are a small price to pay compared to the potential cost of extensive pipe repairs and property damage. Protecting your pipes is an investment in the longevity and safety of your home. For more information on protecting...
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How to Solve those Summertime Leaking Pipes in Longview, Texas

Summer should be a time of play, not of plumbing. By taking a little action now, you can save your time and energy for having fun and relaxing. What situations can you help to prevent? Clogged pipes. When coming inside, brush off any extra sand or gravel. Pets should be groomed regularly as well to reduce animal hair shedding. Broken garbage disposal. Compost or throw your food away, especially fibrous foods that get stuck in disposals. Damaged sprinklers. Make sure to mow around sprinklers and keep pets away. Surprise damage. Before traveling or in case of emergency, always have on call a plumber you know and trust. For professionals to help you with leaking pipes in Longview, Texas, let Bird Dog Plumbing keep your house in top shape! Call today at 903-225-2272.   Bird Dog Plumbing | Leaking Pipes Longview TX...
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4 Signs Your Foundation Problems Are Caused By Leaking Pipes

Under slab, leaking pipes in Longview, TX are a major cause of foundation problems. The leaking pipes can penetrate the soil under your home causing foundation movement. The good news is that the damage to your foundation can be minimized if you are able to detect a leak early by recognizing common signs and indicators that you have a leak. Here are 4 warning signs that you have an under slab leak: Unusually high water bills...
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Prevent Water Leaks and 5 Other Ways to Reduce Your Water Bill

Whatever your reason for wanting to save money on your water bill, there are measures you can take to reduce the strain on your wallet while also giving the added benefit of helping prevent water leaks in Longview, TX. When you reduce water usage, there is less use of the systems that use water and consequently reduces the risk of a water leak. Beyond simply taking shorter showers and turning the water off when not in use, here are five ways to reduce your water bill: Use the dishwasher Wash clothes in cold water Insulate water pipes Keeps bottles of water in the fridge Fix existing water leaks Bird Dog Plumbing can help you reduce your water bill. Call us today to schedule an appointment at (903)225-2272 or online at http://birddogplumbingllc.com/. Prevent Water Leaks Longview TXBird Dog Plumbing LLC2206 Balsam StLongview, Texas...
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