Not Quite Feeling Like the End of Summer..

With Labor Day behind us, we associate that as the end of summer. Although summer is coming to an end, it sure doesn't feel like it! This week, in Long Beach and the rest of California, we get smacked with a heat wave. With that being said, power outages may occur due to the high electricity usage.

Photo Credit: PhilipsPhotos via Compfight cc

Here are some tips from doityourself.com to maximize the efficiency of your air conditioning and to conserve electricity so you can stay cool in your home.

1. Set your air conditioner to a practical temperature. Instead of setting it to 65 degrees, you can set it at 72 degrees.
2. Check if your filters are clean. Dirty filters may result in lower air circulation, taking it longer to cool the house.
3. Keep your filters clear. Make sure nothing is blocking your filters.
   
4. Turn off the air conditioner. If windows and doors are open, make sure to turn of the air conditioner. Also, if no one is home, turn off your air conditioner. Doing so will help conserve electricity.
5. Ducted air conditioning. Close the ducts in rooms that are not being used. Doing so will reduce the strain on the air conditioner and reduce your electricity.
   

For the detailed explanation and all the tips, go here. Stay cool and hydrated out there!

Possibly the Best Water-Saving Showerhead?

There’s a new water saving showerhead engineered by Nebia in San Francisco with flows of 0.75 gallons per minute! How awesome is that!?

Photo Credit: Javmorcas via Compfight cc

For perspective: the average flow rate for showers is 2.1 gallons per minute, compared to the Nebia showerhead's 0.75 gallons per minute.

What it will cost you: $399 USD, but you will have to wait until May 2016 to receive it.

For the article to see the innovative showerhead and a description of the experience using the Nebia showerhead, click here.

Music can Reduce Your Shower Time?

Want to cut your shower time, but not sure if you really can?

View fullsize

Photo Credit: doriandavidhammond via cc

There is a solution! Pandora now offers a "Water Lovers Station!” The catch is you must finish showering once the song is over. The station has 100 4-5 minute songs so you can determine how long you’ve showered. It’s a win-win situation; you get to listen to music while you shower AND save water! Plus, you save some of your personal time as well!

Follow the link for the “Water Lovers Station”

Water Conservation at Home

As you have been seeing on the news and social media, California is facing a drought. The Long Beach Water Department has declared  a Stage 2 Water Shortage and thus incorporated restrictions and regulations on certain uses of water.  Learn how to save water around your home below and do your part to help the state we love.

Photo by Getty Images

The California Urban Water Conservation Council gives their Top 5 actions to save water around your home on their website H2ouse.org.

1. Leak Repair
Homes can waste more than 10% due leaking, which costs both you and the environment. Check areas such as faucets, bathtubs, and irrigation systems for leaks and either make simple repairs yourself or call a professional for bigger problems.

2. Replace your toilet
If your home was built before 1992 and the toilet has never been replaced, then it is very likely that you do not have a water efficient 1.6 gallon per flush toilet.

3. Replace your washer
The Long Beach Water Department is offering incentive programs your family can take advantage of to save water and energy (read: money). Through these programs you can replace your old appliances and receive a rebate. Valid appliances are listed here as well as the amount given in the rebate.

4. Incorporate a proper landscape design
Select plants that thrive in our local climate. Consider xeriscaping. California has plethora of beautiful native plants to replace out of region greenery that require more frequent watering. The Long Beach Water Department has started an incentive program for more appropriate landscape for our semi-arid climate at www.lblawntogarden.com. The website provides many resources for converting your lawn to a true California garden as well as free design ideas and nurseries to purchase water-wise plants to compliment your home. 

5. Implement an irrigation regiment
On May 11, 2015 the City of Long Beach released a declaration stating irrigation of landscape with potable water any day other than Tuesday or Saturday is prohibited. Additionally, advise on how frequently your plants need to be watered. The website states most water is wasted in the garden by watering plants that don't need the water or by not maintaining the irrigation system.

On this list are several things that Kaplan Construction can help you do. Give us a call or email and we can get you on your way toward water conservation!