With summer arriving last month there are several things we should remember to check on. The demands on our electrical system and water supply are the two that are foremost on my mind.
The summer heat greatly increases our demands on electricity both for refrigeration and air conditioning. It may be time to change that furnace filter to increase the efficiency of the blower. This will reduce the running time of the AC system and lower the indoor temperature much faster thus greatly reducing our consumption of electricity.
It may also be necessary to pull the refrigerator out and inspect behind. The dust and lint that accumulate on the coils can inhibit the ability of the coils to efficiently exchange heat. This can increase the time the compressor must run to maintain the 34 to 38 degree temperature necessary to keep our foods fresh. And please turn off lights that are not needed!
Our demands for water greatly increase as the temperature rises. Our lawns and gardens require more irrigation. Attention to inefficient sprinklers can have a significant impact on how much water actually hits the lawn and garden and how much is wasted by running down the driveway and sidewalk into the street. Make sure they are pointed in the right direction.
If we look at our water bill, I believe well over half of us can reduce our water consumption by 10 to 15 percent quite easily. Our water usage is expressed in hundred cubic feet. One cubic foot is 7.48 gallons. If you look at a box that is 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep and 12 inches high, it will hold about seven and a half gallons. That is more than most people might believe.
One hundred cubic feet is 748 gallons of water. Keep that in mind when you pay your water bill. As our population in The SCV area continues to grow, our available water supply does not. That same amount of water must be shared by more and more people thus diminishing the amount available for each household. Our slice of the pie is going to get progressively smaller and smaller.
If we can accept that the steps we take today to conserve our energy and water resources will preserve those precious resources for our children and grandchildren, then we may be more willing to do so. If not for us, let’s do it for them.
If you have any questions about water treatment or how to reduce your water usage, please call me. I welcome your questions any time. As always, good health to all.
Rayne Water Conditioning is located at 25114 Rye Canyon Loop in Valencia. For more information, please call Kirk Walker at 661-713-7762.