Hot Water Heaters Compare

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   Is it more cost efficient to have an electric hot water heater compared to a gas water heater?
   I'm thinking about converting to electric and doing away with gas, but need to know what the pros and cons are.

   • ANSWER:
     Heating anything with electricity is least cost effective way to do it. The gas water heater is far more energy cost efficient. Of course, electric water heaters tend to have a longer service life, but the cost of electricity far outweighs the cost of the water heater.
     Of course, the question is moot if you happen to be using a wind genrator or solar panels to generate your electricity.

2. QUESTION:
   Any downsides to "on demand" water heaters?
   We have a jacuzzi that seems to empty our hot water heater before it's full enough. I'm thinking about the "on demand" type of water heater since it's at a cabin that we only use a few days a week. I think that would save energy but I'm afraid the water might take forever to fill a large tub like a jacuzzi has. Also, how much room does an "on demand" water heater take up compared to the normal kind?

   • ANSWER:
     On demand water heaters are great . The demand of a weekend only jacuzzi might not be economical for you to use an on-demand heater. The downside of an on-demand heater is that it can calcify over time, you may want a water softener with it. For the jacuzzi you may want to get an auxiliary heater, such as a submersible heater, to keep it slightly heated all the time and crank up the heat when you are there..

3. QUESTION:
   How long would I be able to take a shower before running out of hot water using one of these tanks?
   I am trying to compare two hot water heaters and determine which one I should buy. I would like to know how long I could take a shower before running out of hot water. Consider that a shower uses 2 gallons per minute and a normal shower is 110 degrees F.

   Tank Choice # 1: 65 gallons, natural gas. Recovery at 90 Degree Rise: 67 gph.
   Hourly BTU Input: 65,000

   Tank Choice # 2: 75 gallons, natural gas. Recovery at 90 Degree Rise: 81 gph.
   Hourly BTU Input: 75,100
   The reason I am asking is because the tank will be used in a home that has two separate families living in it (one upstairs, one downstairs), with two kitchens, two laundry rooms, etc.

   • ANSWER:
     go with tank #2, the recovery rate is more -

4. QUESTION:
   sears.com need electric hot water heater?
   I need to replace my electric 50 gallon hot water heater. I need some prices to compare . today if possible. Thank you

   • ANSWER:
     Go to web sites for Home Depot and Lowe's for comparison prices. I bought my last one at Sears, and saved about ten percent.

5. QUESTION:
   i was looking to put in a hot tub and wondered what the water heater pump was?
   A guy was telling me about some kind of water heat pump and that it can replace hot water heaters in homes and takes up 1/4 the space of older hot water heaters. I do not know what they are called but I want info on a site about them.also any info on installation. If u have one any details on how it works compared to older units. Do you like it?

   • ANSWER:
     A couple of things right away - the heater in a hot-tub is an in-line unit of approximately 5,000 watts. It will do a fine job of keeping a the water hot - but it absolutely does not have the ability to heat sufficient water instantly so as to serve as your domestic water heater.

     What you are asking after is called a "Tankless" water heater and/or "Instant Water Heater". They are available fueled by natural gas, propane or electricity, and the two top makers (in the US) are Bosch and Rinnae (linked below). They are substantially more expensive than a conventional tank-type heater but cost far less to operate and *typically* have a much longer service-life if properly installed. Many may be direct-vented and some use sealed burners as well. Some require power, some do not.

     We have an 15 year old Bosch that has performed flawlessly and is still going strong.

6. QUESTION:
   Can anyone point me to information on the Willis water heater, compared with a standard immersion heater?
   This heater is a cylinder which sits outside the hot water tank. It heats the water very hot. Can I use it to run a shower? Can it be used frequently and for long periods?

   • ANSWER:
     One of the greatest inventions of the 20th centuary, invented by a shipyard worker in Belfast, he figured that it made sense to heat water in its own cylinder but connected to the normal cylinder.
     The science is easy to understand, hot water rises, so it "floats" on top of the cold water in the cylinder, and is constantly replaced by the cold water at the bottom of the cylinder. This hot water depresses the cold water and keeps doing so until the tank is full of hot water, the beauty of the Willis system is that it is possible to heat just a small amount of very hot water for a handbasin if required.
     In answer to your question, the answer is YES, go for it.
     You are very lucky to have this type of installation, I am surprised that more people don't have this installed.
     In N.Ireland 90% of houses have it.

7. QUESTION:
   my oil fired hot water heater broke and i need a new one. any one know the price of this job? thanks!?
   Basically the tank was leaking water all over my basement and the tec said I need a new one. He said that water had gotten into the fire chamber.the tank is about 15 years old.if you know of any web sites that i could look up to compare prices that would help. i searched endlessly with no answers. thanks....

   • ANSWER:
     Funny...this happened to us just 2 days ago. We live in CT. Water leaked out of the bottom seam all over the place. We replaced it with a good quality tank by Bock, 50 gallon, and the total cost installed was 00. This included the tank, as well as the work of the plumber and heating technician. Unless you're really handy (can solder well), you'll need to call in the plumber; also disposing of the old one is tricky because it's considered hazardous due to the oil. Good luck.

8. QUESTION:
   How can you cakculate the cost of heating hot water in a domestic household situation?
   I would like to compare natural gas to propane gas to electric water heaters in a way that is understandable to a lay person. I understand that heating water is one of the highest energy costs in a home but how would I compare the price of a tank to a tankless water heater?

   • ANSWER:
     A British Thermal Unit (BTU), is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water 1 degree Fahrenheit. Multiply the BTU output of the heating appliance (found on the nameplate) by the number of gallons it holds (also found on the nameplate) and multiply that number by 8.35 (The weight in pounds of one gallon of water) Tankless water heaters are instantaneous, but they have to heat cold water because they don't have any storage capacity.
     You also have to determine the cost of Electricity (sold by the Kwh), propane (Sold by he gallon) and natural gas(sold by the cubic foot) in your area and use those figures to calculate the cost of energy.

9. QUESTION:
   Why is my basement so hot?
   I am baffled with this one...I have lived in this house in Michigan for 6 years. During the summer, we tend stay in the basement more often as it is nice and cool compared to the rest of the house. For some reason, this summer the basement is extremely hot compared to the rest of the house. Why is this? The hot water heater is in a separate room. The dryer is not is the basement at all. Where is the heat coming from and why only this summer?

   • ANSWER:
     Don't agree with those answers. The temperature gets cooler as you go lower. Anyway, check to see if the vents are open on the furnace. If you have central air, cool air should be blowing out of these. If you don't have central air you can switch on the furnace fan only and circulate the air. A dehumidifier in the basement will keep the air cooler also. For now, if you have a basement window, open it and exhaust the warm air with a fan until the situation is resolved. Check your windows to see if any are cracked open at all. This will warm the basement too. Make sure the air register intake upstairs is clear and not blocked. I hope this helps.

10. QUESTION:
    Hot water heater - tankless or solar?
    I need a new gas hot water heater & trying to decide on whether to get a tankless or solar hot water heater. Can't anyone give me some advice on which is better or a site that could compare the two?
    I do understand that solar runs on the sun & requires no electricity but, seriously, is one better than the other? Pro's & cons is what I'm looking for. I had a conventional 50 gal. gas water heater prior to it flooding my garage out.
    Currently there are 2 in the household but desire a system capable for 4-6 people.
    I am in Az. so the sun shines pretty much all the time during the day.

    • ANSWER:
      BOTH! They work great together!

      Solar water heating is a great way to provide up to 75% of your hot water. However, it can't provide 100%, you need backup. The ideal solution is to get a solar water heater to do most of the heating. Then run the "hot out" from the solar storage tank to the "cold in" off an on-demand water heater. If the water is hot enough, the on-demand doesn't turn on, it just passes it through, no energy used. If the water isn't hot enough, perhaps you had a stretch of bad weather, it will add any needed heat. But instead of heating water from the city at 50 degrees, it will be heating partially heated water, maybe 80 degrees. This requires less energy.

      Depending on where you are, and how many people in your household, the equipment can cost about 00 - 00. I don't know the cost for an on-demand heater.

      http://www.altestore.com/store/Solar-Water-Heaters/Climate-freezes-Closed-Loop-Systems/Closed-Loop-Systems-for-1-4-People/Closed-Loop-PV-Powered-w-Tank/AET-PV-w-80-Gal-Tank-64-SqFt-Collectors/p172/

11. QUESTION:
    What is the difference between Rheem and Bradford White water heaters?
    My contractor quoted me on a Bradford White hot water heater 50 gallon install for 00 (which I think is high) but he installed a Rheem 50 gallon. I understand that Bradford White is top of the line in water heaters, but I don't know how Rheem compares to Bradford White. The Rheem he installed doesn't qualify for a rebate where I live, but the Bradford White he quoted did qualify for the 5 rebate. I am thinking that I should ask him to install the hot water heater that he quoted, because I got the short end of the stick- getting an inferior water heater and no rebate. Thoughts?

    • ANSWER:
      Bradford White water heaters are according to my research top of the line heaters, available only through the contractors (you cannot find them in the retail shops), to prevent improper installation.

      Rheem is probably more familiar to you since they are available through large Home Depot ... stores.

      Difference... other guys are telling you their experience... do your own research and see what other users are saying or find the site that is particularly dealing with water heaters.

      Good luck.

12. QUESTION:
    What is the most economical, boiler, furnace or water heater?
    I'm looking at housing and I was informed that the heating system is provided through hot water heat; basically a boiler system. Would this be economical as compared to a furnace or water heater?

    • ANSWER:
      == the boiler is a water heater === the furnace is a home heating system === the gas operated water heater is the most efficient way to have hot water in your home == the water that is heated by a furnace to a series of radiators is not the same hot water that is used for washing dises or bathing ...

13. QUESTION:
    Low Hot Water Pressure & Radiators need bleed regularly?
    Recently moved into a house and having a few issues with the hot water pressure and one radiator.

    Our hot water pressure is non existant within the kitchen, takes forever to fill a basin to do the dishes and when in the shower the pressure is really low compared to cold water pressure.

    Another issue we're having is we bleed the radiators when we moved in two weeks ago, which was fine but last night we had to bleed one of them again because it wasn't heating up at the top of the radiator.

    We have a combi gas-water heater system in the house. Looks fairly old as well.

    Anyone any thoughts on how we can resolve our issues without installing a new heating system?

    • ANSWER:
      I suspect that with the constant bleeding of radiators you have lost all pressure and needs re filling.
      Please refer to www.diyenergysavings.co.uk for all the answers

14. QUESTION:
    how effecient is a modern water heater?
    for natural gas and electric

    since electric has no vent then it is 100% effecient minus what heat warms the room (so would depend on room temperature)

    a new natural gas furnace is said to be 80-90% effecient, so only 20-10% of the heat goes up the chimney?
    how does this compare to a water heater? (if you are using it continuously and not counting the heat lost while it sits idle full of hot water.)

    thanks

    • ANSWER:
      "WATER HEATER EFFICIENCY

      The energy efficiency of a storage water heater is indicated by its energy factor (EF), an overall efficiency based on the use of 64 gallons of hot water per day. The first national appliance efficiency standards for water heaters took effect in 1990. New standards, which took effect in January 2004, increased the minimum efficiency levels of water heaters.

      The most efficient gas-fired storage water heaters have energy factors ranging from 0.60 to 0.65, corresponding to estimated gas use below 250 therms/year. Condensing water heaters have energy factors as high as 0.86. The most efficient electric storage water heaters have energy factors ranging between 0.93 and 0.95, resulting in estimated annual energy use below 4,725 kWh/year. There is little difference between the most efficient electric resistance storage water heaters and the minimum efficiency standard. Fortunately, heat pump water heaters using less than half as much electricity as conventional electric resistance water heaters are becoming commercially available. If you use electricity for water heating, consider installing a heat pump water heater. Otherwise, look for the most efficient electric resistance unit in your size range.

      With demand water heaters, the manufacturers provide different specifications: the energy input (Btu/hour for gas, kilowatts [kW] for electric); the temperature rise achievable at the rated flow; the flow rate at the listed temperature rise; and so on. In comparing different models, be aware that you aren’t always looking at direct comparisons, especially with temperature rise and flow rate. For example, while one model might list the flow rate at a 100°F temperature rise, another might list the flow rate at 70°. Until there are industry-standard ratings for temperature rise and flow rates, it will be difficult to compare the performance of products from different companies. Some companies are beginning to publish energy factor ratings for these products and this information should make for easier comparisons."

      From: Reference 1.

15. QUESTION:
    Gas water heater or water-on-demand heater?
    I built a new house 3 years ago. It has (2) 50 gallon (propane) water heaters. The propane bills were 0 a month for hot water only! No other uses of propane. I took one water heater off line, and lowered the water temperature coming from the water heater, the bills are still 0-0 a month...JUST FOR HOT WATER!!!!

    I am considering converting over to the hot water on demand system. How can I compare the costs of the two systems. I know how many gallons of propane I use monthly, how many watts would that be?

    • ANSWER:
      The on demand water heaters initially cost about triple a regular unit. They may be installed indoors or outdoors, to be located closer to the demand for hot waqter.

16. QUESTION:
    Water heater vs. tankless system?
    Our gas water heater is going out and needs to be replaced. Our insurance will cover the water heater and installation, but not the additional costs to bring it up to code, about 0. We can take the cash out and make our own arrangements to get it fixed instead of having it replaced with an equivalent unit. We are thinking about a tankless system.

    I presume we would put it in the water heater closet, and we do want gas, not electric. Most of our plumbing is in the "core" of the house, so none of the hot water lines are more than 20 feet, and only the kitchen sink/dishwasher line is that long. If it matters, our house was built in the early seventies, and the current water heater is about 14 years old.

    If you have replaced yours this way, what do you think? How do the costs of the two systems compare? Is there a difference in your gas bill now? What about maintenance/repair/reliability? Would it still have the same code requirements, or would most of that stuff not apply? Would it still need the new thingamajig to cut off the water if there were a leak? Would it still need a pan installed? (Either way, we're going to have to change out a couple of gas lines.) Are there any brands much better/worse than others? What else do we need to know?

    All words of wisdom appreciated! Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      I only know what my plumber told me about these when we were building our house and considering the tankless heaters. He said the gas was the best/fastest/most reliable and that we would would need one for each bathroom that had a shower/bath and one for the kitchen/laundry. We opted for a large electric hot water tank and do not run out of water, and are very happy with it. (I don't mean a huge tank, just one capable of handling our needs). You might want to check to be sure your needs can be met when you want hot water, and not have to stagger what you wish to do to ensure enough hot water.

17. QUESTION:
    how much does it cost to heat a small 1br apartment in albany ny (upstate) and hot water.?
    i am not sure of the exact apartment because i am still searching. I would like an estimate to use so that i can properly compare the price of apartments that include heat to those that do not. Is there a large margin for gas or electric heat? All the apartments ilok at are small and under 500 sqft. they are mostly older buildings too. One apartment i am looking at and i am very interested in has electric heat and hot water. How much would this cost? IK it cost about a motnh to run a 1000watt space heater 24/7 i could just do that. I do not mind a 65F degree day temp and lower at night. Basic general heat and hot water estimates are appreciated for gas and electric. Or any info you can give me. It is all greatly appreciated. I am a novice at this because my current apartment includes heat and hot water.
    Thank you
    -John
    ...yes...it has windows...
    national grid charges a month for gas and a month for electric for delivery. I called the hotline so idk y some people on yahoo answers insist it is over . That is ridiculuos

    • ANSWER:
      Don't know..........does it have windows?.............what is the cost of CF of gas.........or the cost for K of electricity........ask the landlord...........or call the power/gas company.............

18. QUESTION:
    Is it a good idea to turn your water heater off when not using it?
    I live alone and use hot water only when I shower. That is, every morning, and evening. The heater has a control panel, with displaying temperature, kWh spent up to now, and a thermostat that I always have set at 40C. In other words, just hot enough for a shower without having to mix it with cold water.Usually by the end of it the tank temperature has already dropped down to 25-34C depending on whether I am just showering or doing my hair as well. The tank obviously has a very small capacity, but it's just fine for me...

    Until now I've been turning it on before showering and off when the water is done heating, but I've started wondering if it makes any sense to do that. Shouldn't it be pretty much the same with having it constantly running? If the heater is left on, when it reaches 35C triggers back on until 40C. The temperature loss -depending on how cold the day is- varies between 1-3C every 12hours, doesn't it make sense trying making up for this loss of heat as soon as it happens, instead of waiting for the time you need to shower so you can finally start heating water?
    I mean, even if after taking your before-going-to-bed-shower, you don't reheat the water and instead let it the whole night at 25C, the heat loss will go on no matter what(since the room is less that 18C) . Isn't it going to be the same loss(~1-3C), over a night period if it the storing temperature was 25C or 40C? I think, it has to be the same, if not quite the same.

    Strangly enough, I've made a month long measurements and it seems that by turning it off, I spend 2,5kWh-3,5kWh/day - whereas leaving it on it's between 4kWh and 5,5kWh/day.

    There are some people who raise the example of heating water for tea("It's like having a kettle on fire for the whole day") and compare these 2 scenarios, but I don't agree. This is an open system and at the same time producing more heat than needed(which quickly escapes in vapours), while the tank is a closed system with limited heat losses. Am I wrong?

    I'm really puzzled as to why such a big difference in my energy consumption measurements. Is there some flaw in my logic?

    I'm hoping for some reasoning to any answer and pointing out the fault in my thought if there is any
    In other words the problem is not about heating more water than needed: It's about heating it before you use it, it or have it always close to the temperature you wan't. I still think that's not the same with the car breaks thing. You will eventually have to heat up the water up to 40 degrees. It's a matter of timing: Do you do it when it reaches 35? when it reaches 25? or when it reaches 5 degrees that is the temperature outside? Isn't the energy wasted in all cases the same?
    It's like cleaning a house. clean it every day for five minutes, or once a week for 35minutes? I guess it has to be the same, unless there is some bacteria growth or something.. The loss of heat is occuring anyway, and it's just a matter of attitude. Replenish the lost energy all at once, or a little by little. Am I wrong here? Isn't it the same in energy terms to go from 34C to 35C and from 25C to 26C? The heat loss? Is it happening faster in 40degrees than in 25degrees? Is there some connection between this rate and the temperatute of the environment? I wish I had not forgotten all the things that I studied in thermodynamics

    • ANSWER:
      by turning it on and off I think you are using more energy than by leaving it on .You are heating a large amount when turned on instead of just keeping the water at a maintained temp.The real answer is the new on demand hot water units no storage tank just pipes that heat up when the hot water taps are opened,this is the way of the future no more 50gal tanks to heat and more storage space these on demand units are about 3ft by 3ft and attach to the wall

19. QUESTION:
    Am I paying for my neighbors water bill?
    So I live on the downstairs of an apt and my landlord lives upstairs. They also rented out the basement and garage to others. We have a hot water meter at our house but I've realized that our water bill is way higher compared to friends with the same family size and about the same water usage. Could we have been paying for the basement or garage's water?

    I noticed that the water runs extremely low sometimes despite not using any water to bathe or do laundry. Also our water heater would make noises sometimes and I could hear the basement family using the hose outside our window. And we aren't using any water during those times I've noticed. The noise stops when their hosing stops.

    Is there any way to check if we've been paying extra? Would the water company know if I called in to ask them? Thanks in advance!
    We asked the landlord before and he said that he's paying for the basement and garage. Is there a way too measure water use in the basement and garage using the landlord's water meter?

    • ANSWER:
      Calling the water company will help you.
      Checking to see how many water meters are there will tell you.

20. QUESTION:
    Can a 5 year old water heater get rusted inside and outside; it is 5 yrs. old & we never had a flood.?
    Five years ago I got a new water heater and yesterday I realized that we no longer had hot water. I tried to restart the pilot light that wouldn't go on. I was amazed that the water heater has rust on the very bottom and when I tried to look through the window to see if the pilot was making sparks, I noticed that the inside right below the water tank that is surround by white foam and above that white foam everything is rusty and the water heater inside part sits right on all of that rust. I called GE who is going to send me a wire to get the pilot to work. This water heater had a 9 year warranty but I do not like the idea that there is rust inside the outside cover even though it is not in the water part, it is right around that part that holds the water but on the outside. I feel the rust can eat away at the tank if not replaced and cause a very large leak or at least rusty water. The water heater is 5 years old and I have never had a leak anywhere in the laundry room where it is located. I am afraid that the rust is going to make this water heater not last as long as the warranty or possibly go a day after the warranty is up. I have to cover the labor to replace the wire and if they send a new water heater which they didn't offer to do, I have to cover the labor for that also. I got the 50 gallon GE water heater at Home Depot 5 years and 2 months ago and the cost was close to 0. Any advise would be extremely appreciated. When speaking to someone at GE, they told me all water heater get rusty like this but I do not trust anyone anymore as I am finding out that just about everyone from dental schools, management companies, HOA's , & other companies just do not want to stand behind the services they give or items they sell. Our world has really gone done hill with integrity and honesty and you would have to be a little older to understand that statement as possibly the younger adults do not know the difference from the 60's and 70's when comparing everything to today. Thank you in advance for your advise.

    • ANSWER:
      There is an old adage, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" Yes, it may look bad to you, and you are also right about warranties these days. They are usually filled with conditions, that are almost impossible to avoid.
      Do your best to clean up what you can, buy a can of rust paint, and spray the bad areas.
      If worse comes to worse again, hire a professional to check it out, it may be worth the money to get peace of mind, or a written statement by him or her, as to the reason and cause of the rust and foam. Which you can send a copy to GE and have them replace it.

21. QUESTION:
    Price Pfister Shower?
    I recently installed a Price Pfister shower/bath faucet. However, i am not able to set the water to its hottest setting. I have tried adjusting the dial inside (Scald guard) to its hottest setting and it does not compare to my previous faucet in terms of temperature (much colder). I want the ability to take a very hot shower as any adult would.. Is there a way to remove something in the valve so that I can have my preference of temperature rather than mixed cold & hot water? My kitchen sink has so hot of water when on full hot, that I cant stick my hand in it. I want my shower like that! I have a brand new hot water heater also so that is not an issue.. Please help!

    • ANSWER:
      Every shower/bath mixing valve these days has at least a pressure balanced feature (anti-scald) and an adjustment in the valve. If you have adjusted the temperature control (inside the valve) to max, then that is all you can do with the valve. Some valves have stops on either side where the cold and the hot inlets are located. They are designed to allow you to close off the supplies while adjusting or repairing the valve. Be sure that these are fully open if yours has them. Other than that, the only other option is to adjust the water temp at your water heater, but don't go above 125 degrees. It's likely the pressure balance feature to the valve that won't allow you to go hotter, nothing you can do about that except replace it with a different model.

22. QUESTION:
    Did I just get ripppped off?
    My water heater needed to be replaced and the reputable contractor is at our garage right now replacing the new hot water heater. when he first came in, we knew what the charges were, and after he looked at our water tank, he said that our expansion tank needed to be replaced as well as it was installed improperly. he added 0 for expansion tank installation on top of our total charges. (600 bucks for 50 gallon water heater and 260 labor, installation) MY husband said we would just do it because we got kinda scared that as the expansion tank was installed improperly, and we trusted this company, we did not want to waste more time without hot water and we were tired of researching and comparing with other contractor. (Other contractor said we did not need to replace the expansion tank, but they are fairly new and is not so well known company) . so the contractor is doing his work right now almost done... should I ask him to give us discount? my husband already signed the work release thing below the estimate, and I feel like we are getting ripped off as i research that the retail price for water expansion tank is only 60-70 bucks.. what do you think??

    • ANSWER:
      Sure sounds like a lot of money for a water tank.

23. QUESTION:
    Don't know about apartment that use propane or oil... help me please!?
    First I'm really new to these things. I'm now living in an apartment, we pay 0 included heat and hot water. and we are planning to move to a 0 duplex that's not included anything and uses propane as heater and hot water. my question is, how much approximately I will spend every month to buy proprane or oil in winter time compare with summer? is it really expensive? Is there any other issues using propane or oil?

    • ANSWER:
      NO ONE can answer that question for you. We dont know where you live, the cost of fuel (propane or fuel oil) the size of the place, type of furnace, water heater etc. The numbers you need to determine costs are available form utility companies, suppliers of fuel. Ask for the records from the previous owners.
      You can always budget about 0 per month and hope that covers it.
      Good Luck

24. QUESTION:
    Electricity cost breakdown for 1 bedroom townhouse? Energy saving ideas?
    My friend and I live in the same style place.

    When I moved in last month.I bought all energy saver light bulbs (20 watts each), I have 9 of them.

    I generally never have a light on unless I need it on.

    I leave the air conditioning off until I get home from work. I turn it on along with my ceiling fan upstairs and my 2 stand up fans downstairs. My place is cool in 20 minutes. I'll leave the fans on if I watch TV downstairs and I sleep with my ceiling fan on all night.

    I watch my 53" rear projection TV for about 14 hours a week.

    I'm also on my computer for about 14 hours a week. I have a widescreen LCD.

    I feel like my hot water heater, refrigerator, big screen are my primary electricity costs.

    I was really happy with my first month's electric bill. Only .02 compared to my friends whose was over .00.

    Am I right that the 3 things I mentioned use the most electricity?

    How much is it to run the refrigerator a month? water heater? big screen TV?computer?lights?

    • ANSWER:
      anything with elements use a lot of power such as electric hot water system, oven and hotplates, driers, heaters, kettle. Also, the A/C will use a lot.

25. QUESTION:
    Energy tax breaks for early american homes?
    I own a 300 year old colonial home in Connecticut. It is about 3500 square feet and it is astronomical to just keep warm the last few years. A few years ago we replaced about 20 windows in the house with new insulated windows, insulated a few areas and also when we redid our siding we put up foam insulation and tyvek wrap under the siding. We also got a brand new hot water heater and we keep our oil furnace thermostat at 60 degrees. However it cost about 0 a month in electricity and 0 in just the last month from thanksgiving to Christmas to new years compared to some friends who live in new homes that pay like 0-200. With the economy the way it is, it is become more and more difficult to pay this. Are there government programs I can apply to that will give me tax breaks or lower my bill because its ridiculous?

    • ANSWER:
      Depending on when you did the energy improvements like the windows and insulation, you might have been eligible for a tax credit then, and if it was 2006 or later you might still be able to amend if you were eligible for a credit and didn't take it then. But your utility bills are your own expenses and don't get a tax credit.

26. QUESTION:
    Does intelligence depend on gender?
    I'm not trying to be sexist, so please don't attack me. I'm not saying any of the below is true, I'm just trying to clear up a few questions I have about the two different genders. I know that it depends on where they are born, how they are raised, and who they are, but let's ignore that.

    Okay, to start off, I have heard that males are more dominant in the left side of the brain while females are more dominant in the right side of the brain. Here's a quote from an answer to a similar question:
    "Boys are left brain dominant (usually) which means they are better at math, and scientific things. Girls are Right brain dominant (usually) and are better at arts. I thinks that males have stronger instincts, like the urge to mate, or be dominant over others, which females dont seem to poses as strongly."

    Is this true?

    I have also read from an answer that stated:
    "girls think emotionally... while guys think logically... girls emotions will overtake their logic... meaning they are less capable of doing important jobs where you must ignore your emotions (supreme court justice, police officer, president of the US, etc.)"

    Is this true?

    And towards inventions now, I honestly think that males had created the supreme and significant inventions compared to females. Again, I'm not trying to sound sexist, but what females had invented seem petty, but they are still used in everyday life. I know that some (or most) of this had to with female suppression and everything being male dominated.

    As a comparison of inventions, here are some for each gender:

    Male:

    1. The light bulb
    2. The automobile
    3. The Lightning rod
    4. The airplane
    5. The helicopter
    6. The phone
    7. The radio
    8. The atomic bomb (and hydrogen bomb)
    9. The battery
    10. The ability to harnest electricity

    Female:

    1. The vacuum
    2. The dishwasher
    3. The medical syringe
    4. The hot water heater
    5. The circular saw
    6. The fire escape
    7. The windshield wiper
    8. The elevated railway
    9. The engine muffler
    10. The locomotive chimney

    Does the creation of inventions implicate the intelligence of one? I mean, look at Leanardo Da Vinci, Father of Invention, he had a book full of significant inventions that were not able to be invented by him by males later on.

    I hope you haven't tooken my question the wrong way. Thanks.
    Like I said above, "I'm not saying any of the below is true". I pulled quotes from websites and others answer to questions towards similar questions.
    Like I said above, "I'm not saying any of the below is true". I pulled quotes from websites and others answer to questions towards similar questions.
    Like I said above, "I'm not saying any of the below is true". I pulled quotes from websites and others answer to questions towards similar questions.

    • ANSWER:
      No.

      The flaw is in your methods. You are holding women up to how "male" their minds are, as a way of measuring intelligence.

      You could also argue that the needle and thread is mission essential for human survival, whereas the atomic bomb actually is harmful.

27. QUESTION:
    Electric Bill Problems?
    We moved 9/2008 to a single family 2 bedroom house.
    2 adults and a child.
    We have oil heat.
    2 Tv combo's
    1 reg tv
    washer dryer (2 years old)
    Basic appliances
    Hot water heater brand new
    Landlord told us that the bill averages 130.

    Ist bill was for 5 weeks, included connection charge, and we had an ac running. Bill was 0. (We expected this)

    Each following bill was 0. No a/c, 4 weeks, No connection charge.
    We complained, new meter installed. They tested old meter and said test determined it was running at 108% accurate. Noticed their pole was leaning, ripped off a corner of the house. They hoisted it up.
    Bill went down to 180 for past two months.
    Just received another Bill yesterday for 0

    We started comparing all the old bills. All the bills we have doulble the delivery charge for the high bills. The 3 low bills do not.
    Can they charge dbl. delivery charge?

    Ex :
    Basic Generation
    261 KHW x 0.128544 - 33.55
    814 KHW x 0.133120 - 108.36

    Delivery Charges
    261 KHW x 0.016858 - 4.40
    814 KHW x 0.016855 - 13.72
    1075 KHW x 0.047330 - 50.88

    What is the average KWH used for most single family households?
    The landlord wont help, electric company wont help. Where can I get someone to help?

    • ANSWER:
      Contact your county's human resources dept. They may direct you to someone who can help you. I know my mother had a long running dispute with the water supplier for her house (long convoluted story). Senior services, I believe; took a look at her bills. There was a discrepancy going back several years and got worse. It took a long time to get it sorted. Just keep your records, and keep trying to find someone to help you. Good luck.

28. QUESTION:
    Typical propane usage?
    I am questioning my propane usage for the past month. I live in MD, so winters are not that cold compared to other states. From mid November to mid December, I used 108 gallons of propane. The beginning of Jan. I installed a programmable thermostat. We used 104 gallons from mid Dec to mid Jan. My last bill claimed we used 158 gallons I don't understand how I can be using so much. I keep the house at 67 degrees during the morning and early evening. During work hours, the house is at 64 and overnight it is 62. The house was built in 2001, so there is sufficient insulation and we have double-pane windows. My gas oven broke in early Jan., so we have not been using it. The hot water heater is kept at a reasonable temp. I just don't understand. Does anyone have any ideas?
    Yes, this is the first winter in this house. Another detail, the house is 1900 sq
    *hit submit by accident* 1900 sq ft. I have not yet checked for leaks; we are planning on doing that shortly.

    thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      100,000 btu's burns roughly 1 gallon in one hour. Take a look at the rating plate of your furnace, which is usually inside the front cover near the gas valve somewhere. It will say something like "80,000 btu input at 11 wc". Most water heaters are about 35,000 btu.

      If you time how many minutes in an hour your furnace runs you should be able to figure out your consumption.

      On a 1900 square foot home, you probably have an 80,000 btu furnace or so. Could be 90k...could be 70k... You don't mention how many people live in the home. That can make a difference for water heating especially.

      But, just for example...let's take a 35k btu water heater running 10 minutes out of every hour, which is probably pretty conservative, unless you live alone. That's going to burn roughly 1-1/2 gallons a day. So there is 45 gallons per month right there.

      The 80k btu furnace running say 10 minutes out of every hour, which I think is probably much lower than it actually runs, is going to burn 100 gallons a month!

      You've also got a cooking range there, that you said you haven't been using, but it can easily use use 10 gallons a month by itself. Do you have a gas clothes dryer? They burn a fair bit too...

      I don't think your consumption sounds that bad! Actually, I think you are doing reasonably well!

      If you would like to let me know the btu's of your appliances and time how often they run in a given hour, I can do a load consumption calculation for you pretty quickly.

      If you do suspect a leak, I would have the supply company come out and check it for you. Good luck with it!

29. QUESTION:
    I live in a 1bd 612 sf apt. My CPS bill was 7 this month as compared to last month which was .?
    I've had the maintenace here at my apt check out the unit and said there is nothing wrong with it. I was having trouble with my water heater for a couple of days, I had no hot water and apparantely it was running . So they believe the cause in such a high electricity bill was result of the water heater. Is this reasonable? HELP
    I can't afford to pay such high bills for the rest of the summer.

    • ANSWER:
      you may want to look at programmable thermostats for your air conditioner. You can set it to lower the temperature in your apt. before you get home from work. I will assume your CPS bill is your electric bill and you have an electric water heater. I don't honestly believe that your water heater had that much of an impact if it was messed up for just a couple of days. More then likely you have used the air conditioner a lot more this last month then you did the month before that.

30. QUESTION:
    Is this Compare and Contrast essay good? (constructive criticism appreciated)?
    Winter and Summer-a Compare and Contrast Essay

    Seasons are what make life interesting-if there were no seasons, life would be quite bland. Seasons are 4 very different periods of the year-there is spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Every season has its own unique weather. But apparently, summer and winter are the two that are the most different seasons. One is considered very warm and humid, and the other is bitterly cold and to the freezing point. But different places can get different dates and different climates. This is called astronomical winter. Seasons are also caused because since the Earth is always tilted, however the Sun hits it with is rays is what our weather and seasons will be caused. In the summer, the North Pole is more faced to the sun, causing it to be Summer. When it is more faced away with the Sun, it is winter.

    Winter is usually the coldest season of the year. In the Northern hemisphere it usually runs from around November or December; and in the Southern hemisphere it usually runs from June to August. When it is winter in the Northern hemisphere, everything is bitterly cold and everything is covered in snow. Snow is a lot of small white ice crystals all together. It is made when the water vapor of the air is hit with the temperature of less than 32°F, or 0°C. At this time, you need to be more bundled up in clothing so you can stay warm. Everything seems magical, but the time Earth is asleep. Temperatures at this time are very low-around the 60°F to even 30°F. Christmas is famous at this time. But in the Southern hemisphere, it is exactly like Summer.

    Summer is usually the hottest season of the year. It usually runs from around June to August in the Northern hemisphere; and from December to February in the southern hemisphere. When it is Summer in the Northern hemisphere, everything is very hot, and the perfect time to go visit the beach. Everything is warm, and snow cannot be formed. This is usually the time when plants are matured and ripe, and when you get out of those winter clothes and go in shorts and t-shirts. This is usually thought to be the time when Earth is awake and full of life. The temperatures at this time are very high, around the 70°F to even the 90°F. The most famous holiday at this time is the 4th of July. But in the Southern hemisphere, the weather there is exactly like Winter.

    As you can see, Winter and Summer have their differences and alikeness. In the Summer it is usually so hot, lakes and beaches are most visited. In the winter the lake becomes into a sheet of ice, and everything is bitter cold. People keep warm in the winter by the fireplace and heater, and keep cool in the summer by the fan and air-conditioning. The favorite drinks in the summer are lemonade, iced water. The favorite drinks of the winter are hot chocolate, warmed milk, and hot coffee. The most anticipated holiday in the summer is the Fourth of July. The most anticipated holiday in the winter is Christmas. This is a time of dinner around the table with family and friends, gifts under the tree, and caroling to different houses during the chilly evening hours. The summer dress is typically shorts and a short sleeve shirt. The winter dress is usually jeans and a sweatshirt or anything that is warm and cozy. You can go swimming, to the beach, sum bathe, go boating, and all of those fun summer activities everyone looks forward to. In the wintertime most people think of coldness and get the chills, but you can still have fun. You can go ice skating, sledding, and skiing.

    These two seasons-although different in many ways-are usually enjoyed by all. They both hold their own unique qualities, weather, holidays, and special occasions. And even though the South and the North experience their Summer and Winter very differently, they are basically the same-just with a twist. Which season do you like best-winter or summer?

    Is it? I would really like an answer-and yes! Constructive criticism is appreciated!! Just not Destructive ones or trolling and bashing and flaming.

    ~!*Page Protected by Copyscape. DO NOT COPY!!!*!~

    That is not very smart, considering the fact that it says "Copyright © 2012 Yahoo! Inc. All Rights Reserved" on the bottom. You could go to jail for years because someone could fine you *hint, hint ME* So, do NOT COPY. This is for your own good. And anyone, any age can go to jail because they copied someone else's work. So Do. Not. Copy. End of story.
    This is Constuctive Criticism~
    1) This is really good-but I think you should work a little more on your _____ and do ____ and _____.
    2) Hmm....this needs a little more work on ____ and ____. Keep it up though!

    This is Destructive Criticism~
    1) This SUCKS!!!! You are so ___ and ___.
    2) Blah. I couldn't even read it!!

    Etc, etc. I hope you understand. c:
    Thanks Cassie! You helped a lot, and I did really work hard on it. Thank you!
    Thannk you Bri~ I will fix those. Really thankful by the way
    Thannk you Bri~ I will fix those. Really thankful by the way

    • ANSWER:
      Here are my critiques****

      Seasons are what make life interesting*.* If there were no seasons, life would be quite bland. Seasons are *four* very different periods of the year*.* There is spring, summer, autumn, and winter *, and* every season has its own unique weather. But apparently, summer and winter *are the * most different seasons. One is considered very warm and humid, and the other is bitterly cold and to the freezing point. * Different places can get different dates and different climates. This is called astronomical winter. *Deleted Sentence*. In the summer, the North Pole is * faced *towards* the sun, causing it to be Summer. When *the Earth is titled* away with the Sun, it is winter.

      2nd Paragraph.

      Winter is usually the coldest season of the year. In the Northern hemisphere it usually runs from around November or December; and in the Southern hemisphere it usually runs from June to August. When it is winter in the Northern hemisphere, everything is bitterly cold and everything is covered in snow. Snow is *atmospheric water vapor frozen into ice crystals*. It is made when the water vapor of the air is hit with the temperature of less than 32°F, or 0°C. At this time, you need to be more bundled up in clothing so you can stay warm. *Deleted Sentence*. Temperatures at this time are very low-around the 60°F to even 30°F. Christmas is famous at this time. But in the Southern hemisphere, it is exactly like Summer.

      3rd Paragraph

      Summer is usually the hottest season of the year. It usually runs from around June to August in the Northern hemisphere; and from December to February in the southern hemisphere. When it is Summer in the Northern hemisphere, everything is very hot, and the perfect time to go visit the beach. Everything is warm, and snow cannot be formed *in that environment*. This is usually the time when plants are matured and ripe, and when you get out of those winter clothes and *change into* shorts and t-shirts. This is usually thought to be the time when Earth is awake and full of life. The temperatures at this time are very high, around the 70°F to even the 90°F. The most famous holiday at this time is the 4th of July. But in the Southern hemisphere, the weather there is exactly like Winter.

31. QUESTION:
    HALF FOOT ON GAS METER?
    Why would half foot on gas meter continuously spin? It almost make a complete revolution in 43 seconds.
    GAS CONSUMPTION IN HOME IS AS FOLLOWS:
    Heating
    Cooking (stove)
    Water Heater

    1) Heat has not been used since March or early April.
    2) No habits have changed as far as cooking, hot water consumption, etc.

    If anything our bill should be lower than it is during winter times (obviously, as heating is the primary usage of our gas)

    OUR HOME IS...
    A 2 bed room apartment, 2nd floor of 3 floors total.

    PREVIOUS ISSUES WITH GAS COMPANY:
    Meter was removed in January and replaced with a new one. First bill after replacement was wrong because OLD meter was read incorrectly. Received and paid corrected bill. Bil after that was wrong again, still with the wrong off read on old meter... been okay since then until now when we compared our current meter read to the estimated and last actual read.

    No way we have used as much gas as it is stating...plus half foot was moving continuously and for some reason no one at the gas company can tell me the purpose of the half foot. (from my understanding of research it is used for testing purposes only!? )

    • ANSWER:
      better getting it checked,..,

32. QUESTION:
    heating water for a shower, celsius temp.?
    I just read about a small shower heater that claims in the ad; that it
    is
    "7.5KW, meaning it circulates water at a rate of 6 liters per minute, and will raise the outgoing water temperature by 20 degrees Celsius compared to the temperature of the incoming water"

    Can anyone put that into very simple english for me?
    I mean - if the incoming water - is COLD, how hot will the outgoing water be - or *feel*?
    The incoming water will not be freezing, but just 'cold'.
    Does it mean that the water will just be 'lukewarm' - in fact
    *and not at all hot enough for a shower*?
    20° celcius of heat added to cold water, feels like what, if you stand under it?
    THANK YOU!!

    • ANSWER:
      It means you will get hot water from this shower, and you can mix it with cold to get a comfortable temperature.They are very efficient, and you only need to connect a cold water supply to them. Inside is a mini elecrtic heater which heats the water very quickly. I have had one for some time now, and it works well, They also have a hot water temperature setting on most models. The wiring requires that an isolation switch is fitted between the Fuse box and wherever you decide to fit the switch, and this switch must have a red neon light to show if it is on or off. You will also need to fit A Breaker in the fuse box solely for this shower which has to be 30/35 amp at least. I hope this helps.

33. QUESTION:
    Sensitive faucet in kitchen?
    The hot/cold water control on my kitchen faucet is very sensitive. The water turns very hot even if I move the control by 1 or 2 degrees, compared to 10-20 degrees on my other faucet. All my other faucets work well, so i don't think it's an issue with the water heater control. I am thinking of changing cartridge . Please advice. It's a standard faucet as shown in this link http://wetheadmedia.com/american-standard-kitchen-faucet-troubleshooting-repair-guide/
    yes, cold water pressure is same as hot water.

    • ANSWER:
      Is the cold water pressure the same as the hot? Also check that both shut off valves under the sink are fully opened. Before spending any money I would remove the cartridge and flush out any debris that may be in there. Be careful to place all the washers correctly when reassembling.

34. QUESTION:
    How much does Earth Day matter to you?
    Today marks the 39th anniversary of Earth Day -- the environmental awareness and appreciation day founded by United States senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970. Earth Day has spread around the world, and today more than one billion people in nearly 175 countries are expected to take part in celebrations. But what people don't seem to understand that earth day should be EVERYDAY. Its becomes such a "IN thing" around today (and sadly, only today) its become all fuss and no bother. here are a few things YOU can do in your daily routine that can help not only something SO important like the planet you and your children and your children's children live in but also your wallet.

    A Dim Bulb - Your local hardware store probably sells a regular incandescent bulb for or . Compare that to a compact fluorescent bulb that sells for about .00. No contest you say? Think again. Experts say you may buy 10 or more of the cheaper bulbs over ten years, compared to only one of the more expensive type. Now which looks better? 50 Simple Things You Can Do to Save the Earth recommends using compact fluorescent bulbs with solid state ballasts that fit into a regular light bulb socket, using 1/4 of the energy of an incandescent bulb while generating the same amount of light.

    The Running Faucet - Do you leave the water running while you brush your teeth for 2 minutes? Then nearly ten gallons of water just slid down the drain. Remember, you PAY for that! Now, think about saving water when you shave, wash dishes, do laundry, water the lawn, wash the car, hose off the sidewalks.... avoid sending water and $$$ down the drain.

    Idle Time - Ever wonder if you should leave the car running while you wait for the kids to be dismissed from school? Leave it on if you'll be there less than a minute, otherwise it's more efficient to turn it off and restart it when you're ready to go.

    Turn Down the Heat - Not just the furnace, but the water heater too -- set it at 130 to 140 degrees. Turn the setting to low or off when you leave for the weekend or for a long vacation, then put a note on your bathroom mirror so you'll remember to turn it up when you return.

    Keeping It Clean - Washers can use more than 50 gallons of water per load, so avoid washing a lot of small loads whenever possible. Also, be sure to choose the lowest level of water needed for each load, use warm water instead of hot, and set the rinse cycle to use cold water.

    Cold Food - Refrigerator temperatures should be set at about 40 degrees, give or take a degree or two. Freezer temps between 0 and 5 degrees are just right. Colder settings waste energy and won't help food.

    Snip Six-Pack Rings - Those innocent looking soft plasting holders for soft drink cans and other products can entangle birds, fish, and small animals. Snip apart each ring before throwing it in the trash, or inquire whether they can be recycled locally.

    Get a Charge out of It - Never throw spent batteries in the trash. They contain mercury, a hazardous substance that will leak into groundwater or be burned and released into the air. Don't go there. Either switch to rechargeable batteries or collect used batteries in a shoebox out in the garage, clearly marked. Then take them to a recycling facility once or twice a year.
    Oh wow! how oh so "COOL" of you "people" to write the total opposite and not to mention writting such bad things...such rebels. how i wish with my little heart to be like you. No one asked you to write nor "answer" on MY question. so if your having a pissy day or you simply dont give a rats A** about earth or anything for that matter MOVE ALONG! STUPID IGNORANT PEOPLE. Earth DOES matter, if you bother to wacth the news or since you seem to be on the web, look it up. its not in the best of shape. And when something is effect by a disaster (like the current status of OUR planet) EVERYTHING around it goes down with it (and by everything i mean YOU IGNORANT people and the people who really do care) So next time you want to show off on here do it on a question asked by someone who mind having people like YOU talk so much ignorant s**t on there question!

    • ANSWER:
      thanks for the advice, if you use a search engine called http://www.blackle.com/ it has a black background which uses less energy!

35. QUESTION:
    What is your average quarterly electricity bill amount in Sydney?
    Please help! I have a feeling I am paying too much for electricity each quarter, and would like to compare with others. The usual bill for me is 0 but my last one was 0! I am a single person living on the ground level of a 3-storey house in Balmain, Sydney. I am at work all day and am often out on weekends too. I have a plasma which I watch every night for about 4 hours and switch off at the powerpoint when not in use. My hot water tank is on continuous heating and the stove also uses electricity. Other than that there are no big appliances or heaters and I do laundry in cold water. How much do you pay? Please share ...
    Also, my provider is Energy Australia - I've heard AGL are good but I thought they would all be the same when it comes to price and everything .. Any suggestions?

    • ANSWER:
      I am with Energy Australia, the summer quarter is 0 average, the winter quarter averages 0 because of heating I suppose.
      It could be that your meter is faulty, or they have done an estimate, as they sometimes do if they can't get to the meter. I would have your meter tested.
      Good luck , that doesn't seem right.

36. QUESTION:
    1.4 zetec heating problem, can any1 help plz?
    Hi there, I bought a fiesta mk 4 1.4 zetec a few months ago. Problem is that the heater stopped blowing hot air shortly after turning it on so I took changed the heating control valve which worked for a little while. I then changed the thermostat in case it was faulty but just as my luck goes the new one didnt open and burst the water pump as the temperature gauge did not move an inch. I changed the water pump and put in a working thermostat but now the temperature gauge is not budging from cold even when hot. I changed the coolant temperature sensor but still to no avail.
    I dont know if the test I done was reliable but took each sensor 1 at a time and placed them in a cup of boiling water while plugged in and turned on the ignition. I would think that it would register something but still nothing. I am at my wits end with the thing and have spent the last 3 days scratching my head. I know the heating problem is due to the control valve as pipes behind are not going hot compared to the 2 going in at the bulk head.
    Any1 any ideas about the coolant temperature sensor?
    Also the fuel gauge is not working, do you think it could be a case of dodgy dash instruments?
    Any help would be appreciated so much.
    Thanks Deek

    • ANSWER:
      You need to check that there is not an air lock. Run the engine while feeling the radiator and the hose to and from it, If these are getting hot, you'll need to check the heater matrix and fuses. If not you need to bleed the system. This is usually done by either a screw/plug on the top hose, or by removing the top hose until you get hot water flowing out (longer you run the car the hotter it will be, so take care)

      Also check the wires to the sensors and thermostat are connected and clean.

37. QUESTION:
    unit 4 study guide questions?
    1. Automobiles that use more than one source of power are called ______________. (Points: 1)
          

    2. Harnessing this energy, ___________   __________  can only be done currently at a few shorelines on the Earth. (2 words) (Points: 1)
          

    3. Fine sedimentary rock containing kerogen (Points: 1)
          

    4. 
    Using heat energy derived from the Earth's interior (boiling water, steam) to drive turbogenerators or to heat buildings directly is referred to as use of ________ energy.
    (Points: 1)
          

    5. The clustering of many wind turbines at one location is referred to as a wind (Points: 1)
          

    6. This is a product of decomposing manure and/or sewage sludge and can be used as a fuel. (Points: 1)
          

    7. ________ __________ is a method of coal extraction that uses large pieces of earth-moving equipment to remove huge amounts of soil and rock to expose coal deposits. (two words) (Points: 1)
          

    8. List two alternative fuel sources to Fossil Fuels. (Points: 1)

    9. List three categories of energy use. (Points: 1)

    10. List two disadvantages of nuclear power. (Points: 1)

    11. Describe three energy sources used to power turbines in the generation of electricity. (Points: 1)

    12. What was the main fuel used for energy generation during the 1700's to the mid 1800's? (Points: 1)
          

    13. _________, _________, and _________ are three examples of fossil fuels. (Points: 1)
          

    14. _____________ Power does not directly contribute to greenhouse gases, is an alternative to fossil fuels, the waste is radioactive. (Points: 1)
          

    15. With 75,000 dams in the United States, only __________ percent of rivers are still free-following. (Points: 1)
          

    16. The development of the steam engine sparked the __________ Revolution. (Points: 1)
          

    17. __________ ___________ is a primary fossil fuel that releases the fewest pollutants when compared to other fossil fuels. (Points: 1)
          

    18. This European country depends on nuclesar energy for apporximately 75% of its electricity generation. _____________ (Points: 1)
          

    19. Which of the following is true of hydroelectric power. (Points: 1)
           Fish migration can be impeded.
           Resevoirs created by dams are usually wamer water.
           Reservoirs created by dams may submerge previously dry ecocsystems.
           Water flows uphill to generate electricity.
           Water flow downstream is inconsistent.

    20. Electricity is a ___________ energy source because it relies on a primary energy source such as coal or water power. (Points: 1)
          

    21. Only 30% of the total energy is transferred when ___________ is generated. from burning coal, for example. (Points: 1)
          

    22. The decomposition of animal plant remains over a long period of time results in the formation of __________ ___________. (Points: 1)
          

    23. The initial cost to install a solar hot water system is 5 to 10 times more than gas or electric heaters. (Points: 1)
           True
           False

    24. Melting out is the process used to extract __________ from oil sands. (Points: 1)
          

    25. The United States currently produces about 20 percent of its electricity by __________ __________. (Points: 1)
          

    26. Most of the poorer nations of the world rely on ___________ as their major fuel source. (Points: 1)
          

    27. Thirteen oil-producing countries are members of this organization which acts to coordinate their oil production policies in order to help stabilise the oil market. ____________ (Points: 1)
          

    28. ____________ __________ is excess heat discharged into rivers lakes and oceans. (Points: 1)
          

    29. Growing crops for producing this fuel may result in undercutting food production. (Points: 1)
          

    30. Oil Shale is sedimentary rock containing __________. (Points: 1)
          

    31. In 2005, __________ _________ provided 8,900 MW of electricity from heat within the earth. With today's technology 10 times this amount could be generated and if you consider new technologies as much as 138,000 MW of electricty could be generated each year. (Points: 1)
          

    32. Coal fired plants release 100 times more radioactivity than nuclear power plants due to the natural presence of thorium and uranium in the coal. (Points: 1)
           True
           False

    • ANSWER:
      DO YOUR HOMEWORK YOUR SELF! anyway these questions aren't hard just look in your text book.

38. QUESTION:
    how much is your electric bill for an all electric house no gas at all?
    I am with southern electric and have been arguing my bill with them for 9 months now, I say surely its too high and they say not a chance pay us now. So i have asked them to justify the £1600 bill they have sent me and they aren't willing to do so I now have 7 days to pay up or I shall have a key meter fitted which they have informed me will cost around £75 per week and I only have £189 spare. compared to a fair few of the people in my street my bill is double and they too are with southern electric.
    I have a fully double glazed mid terraced house which is all electric. I have night storage heaters of which I have been using my lounge one which is fairly old and one of the bedrooms which is reasonably new. i cook once a day, I do have a tumble dryer (which eats electricity i know) but this is not used all the time just when it is too wet to hang out washing. I also have a 4ft fish tank, my hot water is on for 2 hours a day during the day time rate never overnight. I do the washing once a day which my machine is 2 and a half weeks old and is an AAB rated machine. I have a 1 year old and 4 year, my 4 year old is asthmatic so I cant cut out the heating to try reducing the bill.
    I do not work as I look after my child and my husband is currently far too ill to work. After paying all the compulsory bills excluding luxury things like internet and mobile phones etc etc we are left with £170 and they want £75 per week I just cant do it and am trying to get them to see that but I cant. Obviously if I have used that amount of electrivity and there isnt a problem with wiring or anything else then I must be using that amount so I have to pay somehow but I just dont understand how my neighbours are all much lower than mine with the same company and they have pretty much the same things as me.
    So what is your electricity usage if you are all electric, is this high or are my neighbours bills low? Please help I'm lost
    forgot to say that I had a visit from a man from southern electric this morning who has left me with a letter as he was coming to fit a prepayment meter but we wouldnt allow as we are querying the bill we now have 7 days to pay the bill or it goes to court and I then get a prepayment meter put in to cost around £300 per month (£75 a week) but that is worked out on the last 9 months we are now getting towards the colder period so will need to use my heating a bit more so it will cost even more.
    I do have as many energy saving bulbs as I can have some of my light fittings I cant seem to find them to fit. I mostly use a washing line but when it is raining having 2 kids I need to get the washing done ASAP
    I do have as many energy saving bulbs as I can have some of my light fittings I cant seem to find them to fit. I mostly use a washing line but when it is raining having 2 kids I need to get the washing done ASAP
    I do have as many energy saving bulbs as I can have some of my light fittings I cant seem to find them to fit. I mostly use a washing line but when it is raining having 2 kids I need to get the washing done ASAP
    my night rate seems to be the biggest problem of all.
    I had the meter read on 3rd november 08 and I have so far used 497 units on the night rate since then. With no water on and only had the 2 heaters on for very maximum of 7 nights altogether. I had the meter changed in march as it broke. It was a brand new meter and this was even going on before the meter was changed so cant be that but they are coming to check it on friday morning. Doubt if they will tell us if they find anything wrong but worth having them out just in case they do.
    In addition to my bill when they come back with a warrant to change the meter if i dont miraculously find £1600 in the next week i will have £400 charges added just for the privelege! How kind of them

    • ANSWER:
      I can help with this I am all electric too. Am editing extra bits in for you....

      Firstly. You need to make sure you are on Economy 7 tariff - which gives you cheaper rate from midnight to 7am. Tick done. 497 night units is aout £36
      Suggest you check the settings on your storage heaters, they shouldnt be on max just yet.

      2. Learn how to read your electric meter. Open the box, write down the numbers from the 2 dials, record the numbers and the date in excel. This will show you how much you are using. I have a spreadsheet set up in excel with fancel bar charts and all

      3. Get a timer for your water heater. They cost about £30 and are a DIY fit and will pay for itself within 2 months, at the rate you are going. you need to set it to come on in the night, from say 4am til 7am. This will all be cheap rate too. If you need details, email me.

      4. do the sums. £1600 owed is £30 a week spread over a year. You can ask them to spread the existing balance over 12 months, but point out you are unemployed (or whatever) as they have to get authorisation for this, it is not something they do automatically. When you phone, be ready to say how much you can afford to pay *a fortnight* which is obviously going to be £60 or more. They will be much more open to do things if you offer money.

      I am in a 2 bed end terrace with the same setup as you. I use £23 a week electricity. Your neighbours are lower because they have gas ch.

      Email if u need more info. the energy saving lightbulbs will save you naff all, and some of the newer ones give off something that irritates eyes. If your daughter is already ashtmatic I wouldnt use them, certainly not in her room.

39. QUESTION:
    How can I possibly run up 0~0 electric bill per month in summer?
    I live in high rise condo in California. My energy bill has been 0~0/month since I stopped using heaters. My neighbors say their bill is at most during summer, which sounds right after calculating energy use on PG&E's website.
    There is no washer/dryer in the unit, and hot water is paid through HOA. I have done "breaker test" to see if meter is faulty. It seems to be working fine. The way my meter runs looks normal compared to other units'. What else can I do to find out what is going on with my bill?? Any thoughts?
    I do not have AC and one of the neighbor I compared note with is across the hallway(same orientaion, same sqf of 1050sqf)

    • ANSWER:
      Have the AC checked.

40. QUESTION:
    Feet feel cold and somewhat numb?
    Ok so this happened yesterday after i showered, my feet felt very cold, so i had put some socks and put my feet on the heater to make it warmer. But it still feels somewhat cold. Mom said it doesnt feel cold but compared to the rest of my body it does. It is pretty cold out side 15c high (60F) and our heater is broken; but my body feels fine. I had lied upside down yesterday against the wall to get some blood to my head; but now it feels cold. I put steaming hot water on my foot while i was showering today and it feels somewhat better, but still cool. Btw i dont thing i have poor circulation due to the fact i get exercise everyday and my feet always used to feel hot before. THANKS!

    • ANSWER:
      Cold sensations to the feet can come from poor circulation and disorders of the nervous system as well as cold exposure and low thyroid condition. If it persists, make an appointment to go see your doctor.

41. QUESTION:
    solar to many to choose from help!?
    im very interested in getting solar power for home and a solar water heater. ive looked on line and there are so many different types and khws. and of course many different prices. we use about 1500khws a month( i run a pool, hot tub and an out door refrig.) how many panels,185khw 170, what about back up batteries. i live in a very rural
    town and there's only one company that installs them and that place is over 100 miles away and im sure there prices are outragious compared to places in bigger cities that have many different companies around that keep the cost down so can anyone point me in the right direction. no rude answers please im just trying to find some good information
    i don't know why they put this question in this category it should be in home and garden category.

    • ANSWER:
      I'd go for the solar water heating first, as that will pay back much faster than solar electric. Try calling installers in more populated areas. They're starving for business right now, and some might be willing to make a trip, even if it's a couple hundred miles.

      If you are handy, or your spouse is, you might try just driving a truck into an area that's cheaper, and picking up what you need. Then you could install it yourself, or call an ordinary roofer.

      For solar electric, an installer would be more likely to travel to you, as the value of the install is high.

42. QUESTION:
    What's wrong with my turtle?
    So first let me explain my situation,
    My sister was moving and needed someone to look after her turtle while they were in transit and organizing for the turtle to be moved to them.
    Due to an illness in her spouses family they couldn't move and had to live with his parents where they had no room for the turtle. And this is how the turtle was forced into my care.

    I had no idea how to look after a turtle so I followed what they had told me, which was just to feed him every 2-3 days about as much the size of his head.
    The tank he is in is about 130cm wide, 50cm high and 50cm wide (not sure how much it holds) but it is only filled about 20cm, this is because he has some rocks that are piled up on a slant so he can get out of the water.
    He has a working heater for his tank, and since in my care I have bought him a pretty boss 75L filter.
    The turtles shell is about 15-17cm long.
    He lives with one other 10cm fish.
    As I didn't buy him and my sister is unsure, I don't really know what breed he is but he looks most likely to be a short neck Murray River Turtle (Emydura macquarii)

    Now on to the problem,
    He started to develop a white spot that was about half a centimeter wide on his neck and his skin was quite flaky around it, my sister brought me over some turtle salts and they seemed to help but didn't make the sore disappear.
    Then I noticed that his scutes were coming off in the water.

    This is when I started looking up how to care for him myself, I had trusted my sisters judgment as this was her second turtle, but he didn't seem to be making any progress.
    It was only now after three months of owning him that I realized that he required a UVB light and a dock so he would get out of the water and become dry and help his shell harden/keep him healthy.
    Also I realize that his water is much too shallow, but if I increase it he has no way of getting out of the water.

    Basically I am writing because this is all relatively new to me, and at the moment I don't have the money to buy the very expensive UVB light, it's casing, the infrared light and the turtle dock but very much plan to in the near future as soon as I can afford it.

    For now what I am doing is using 5mls of "Melafix- Liquid antibacterial" daily for a week in his tank water, I take him out daily and let him get completely dry then put 10% Betadine solution over his shell and Betadine directly to his neck sore, then I put him out in the backyard to get sun for about 40m to an hour per day (unless it's horrendously hot).

    Is all this going to make him better? And what is wrong with him exactly?
    I don't have money for a vet at the moment but I will find it if it is absolutely necessary.
    I might add that his shell coming off could just be him growing, he doesn't seem to be lethargic at all and is eating well, his shell is still quite firm, but I don't really have anything to compare it too.

    • ANSWER:
      It could be that he is just naturally shedding his scutes as he grows. You seem to be doing everything right in caring for him. You could try taking him outside for some natural sunlight until you get a UVB bulb. You don't need infrared, by the way! Just UVB and heat over the basking area.

      You also don't ned to buy expensive basking docks. I have some rocks and a large branch that I got from outside. Just boil, bake, or (in the case of wood) allow to dry out before putting them into the tank.

      Hope that helps!

43. QUESTION:
    97 Cavalier 2.2 104K miles won't start after I turned it off after overheating?
    Started on mountain trip and temp gauge was 3/4 compared to normal 1/2. Never did this before. Turned off engine and coasted down mountain pass. Got to 90 MPH and cooled off real quick, maybe too quick? Later I noticed I was running a little low on coolant.

    On return trip, added water. After 150 miles on top of a mountain pass heater stopped blowing hot air, burrr. Stopped and checked and had extreme vibration in cooling system hoses and overfill container. Relieved presure by removing cap and vibration stopped.

    Easily started car and continued 60 miles. Temp gauge went from 3/4 to HOT. Immediately pulled over and turned off engine. Water as low again. No indication of a external coolent leak. After 25 minutes, put more water in it and tried to restart but no luck.

    Towed car home, pulled and dried spark plugs and tried restarting every day for week with no luck. Seemed to have good spark and gas and cranked faster and faster like it was about to start but never did. Noticed a few what looked like water stains from bottom of cylinder head but no water in oil and coolent had small amount of exhaust smell. Never noticed any smoke.

    Finally pulled cylinder head off and there was no water in cylinder chambers, head gasket didn't seem bad with cracks or holes and no noticable cracks or warpage in head or block. Did notice 4 of the 5 front head bolts did not have much torque when I removed all 10. It seems like an obvious blown head gasket problem as is typical with these cars. But confussed on why the car would not start even after a week. Could a head gasket or the 4 non torqued head bolts caused that much of a loss in compression that it wouldn't start?

    I'm unemployed and can't afford much, so before I go and take head to shop or buy a rebuilt one I would like to know its the head or gasket for sure? Seems to me and a couple other mechanic types that it should have at least started even with a blown head gasket unless there is damage elsewhere, like a fried ignition coil, sensor or other component. I suspect it was cold enough outside with the speed I was going that some damage came after I stopped and the heat in the engine intensified.
    Thanks for your answers.

    It's an aluminum head with cast iron block. If the engine cranks normally and don't notice any strange noises, am I safe in assuming the engine's not hydrolocked and no bent any rods or anything.

    I'm in a small town with no head shop that can't magnaflux and it would cost 0 - 0 to check it out or mill it. I could get a rebuilt head for just 5 or even a new head for 0. Gasket kit with bolts about .

    This is a distributorless ignition system with coil packs and besides spaying an oil based solvent in a electronic component like a distributor cap seems dangerous to me!

    The cylinder walls don't seemed scored or damaged but a lot a grit and some carbon buildup is present. I'll clean up the best I can and take your advice and examine the gasket more closely.

    I guess I will gamble and buy a new head and hope there is no other serious damage other than the initial coolant leak problem and no timing issues with a new head.

    • ANSWER:
      You obviously popped a head gasket or warped the cylinder head and you have no compression now. Hopefully it didn't hydrolock the engine and bend any rods or anything. You may very well need a cylinder head here. You also need to deck the block and make sure it's not warped.

44. QUESTION:
    Lower Nitrite Level on 55 gallon freshwater tank?
    i have had this tank running for about a month already, ive only done a 25% water change twice, and once it was more like 15-20% change, ive had fish in there since the first week, two have died out of the 6 i have bought, i have the HOT Magnum Canister Filter, heater, rocks, etc. but the other day i saw one of my fish having a hard time breathing, he turned completely blue, i transported him to another 75 gallon tank i have which looks like its in better shape than mine and it has only been running for 2 weeks! the fish made it, but i had to take the other two fish i had in my tank out before the same happened to them, my nitrite level is as high as it can be, what can i do to hurry this up, i dont want my other tank to turn out the way this one did. also, the water on the 75 gal seems to look a lot clearer (the water) than the 55 gal? i dont know why, it has a regular waterfall filter not a canister, idk if it may be the filter or im jus not sure, the water on the 55 gal was only cystal clear for about two days and every other day it has been somewhat hazy an cloudy compared to the 75 gal. dont mean this to be this long but i just have no idea what to do anymore...thank you for taking the time to read all of this, wish i could pick everyone as best answer.

    • ANSWER:
      Your tank is going through the cycle. Cloudy water means you are experiencing a bacterial bloom that will eventually eat up the nitrite in your tank.

      As for the nitrites, you should continue to change the water until you get down to a level of .50ppm or less. If you don't, your fish will get sick or just die. Ammonia is another byproduct that will build up in your tank. It also needs to stay below .50ppm. Basically, ammonia and nitrites are burning your fish's skin and gills, leading to a slow and painful death.

      Some fish may make it, but it doesn't sound like they are doing well. Since most of the beneficial bacteria lives on the gravel and filter and not in the water, you are not going to stop the cycle by changing the water.

      I suggest a 75% + water change daily until the level gets down to below .50ppm. Once it gets below that, continue to monitor the ammonia and nitrite levels until you have 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites and 5-40ppm nitrates.

      Water changes should be continued to keep nitrates at 40ppm or less.

45. QUESTION:
    my halfmoon betta is losing color?
    I bought my betta 2 months ago from a breeder.. he was a deep red halfmoon but now he's color is fading as if he's becoming transparent.. he's just about 4 months now..he's still redish in color but it has greatly faded compared to the first day I got him home.. I feed him frozen bloodworms, Tetra BettaMin, and pellets alternately.. room temp is 90F so I don't think I need a heater and we're in a tropical country. Water change every 2days, 5gallon tank.. is the water change too often done? he's still energetic and eating voraciously as usually.. only his body is really fading.. is it because of the heat? i'm aware that the room temp is quite hot but I can't really do anything about it since it's summer here or is it because of what i'm feeding? are bloodworms color enhancers? wat about tetra betta min?

    sorry for the questions but I just don't know what's happening to this guy.. my crowntail seems fine and vibrant.. I bought them on the same day.....

    • ANSWER:

46. QUESTION:
    biology help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?
    14. Phagocytic white blood cells digest many of the invasive bacteria that gain entry into the
    human body. How could a bacterial cell enter a white blood cell in order to be digested?
    a. endocytosis
    b. facilitated diffusion
    c. exocytosis
    d. active transport

    15. Water can enter cells via either passive transport or
    a. facilitated diffusion.
    b. by attaching to large, charged molecules.
    c. exocytosis.
    d. aquaporins.

    16. The following nutritional information compares a bag of Potato Chips and a bag of SunChips.
    Which of these snacks is healthier and why?
    Potato Chips SunChips
    Serving size 1 oz 1 oz
    Calories 150 140
    Saturated fat 2 g 1 g
    Trans fat 0 g 0 g
    Cholesterol 0 mg 0 mg
    Fiber 1 g 2 g
    Sugars 1 g 2 g
    Protein 2 g 2 g
    Potato Chips main ingredients: Potatoes, vegetable oil, salt, sugar
    SunChips main ingredients: Whole corn, vegetable oil, whole wheat, rice flour, whole oat flour
    a. The Potato Chips are healthier because they contain more Calories, more saturated fat,
    and less fiber.
    b. The Potato Chips are healthier because they contain fewer Calories, less saturated fat,
    more fiber, and are made from whole grains.
    c. The SunChips are healthier because they contain fewer Calories, less saturated fat, more
    fiber, and are made from whole grains.
    d. The SunChips are healthier because they contain more Calories, more saturated fat, and
    less fiber.

    17. Shannon has considered herself an extremely healthy person for most of her life. She is a
    marathon runner and watches her diet very carefully. She has 8% body fat, weighs 105
    pounds, and is 5 foot 10 inches tall. Shannon might not actually be as healthy as she thinks
    because she
    a. doesn't have enough body fat for menstruation or pregnancy.
    b. likely has metabolic problems associated with high blood pressure.
    c. is overweight for her height.
    d. doesn't consume enough nutrients for normal bodily functions.

    18. Which of the following is not evidence of global warming?
    a. There are fewer glaciers in Glacier National Park today than there were 150 years ago.
    b. Some cold-adapted animals are moving farther north (away from the equator) each year.
    c. In New England, maple syrup season now occurs in the late fall rather than in the early
    spring.
    d. Sea levels rose and ocean volumes grew in the twentieth century.

    19. The greenhouse effect is most similar to
    a. growing plants in your office to reduce indoor air pollution.
    b. warming the air for a hot-air balloon with a propane burner.
    c. heating up the air inside a car by parking it in the sun.
    d. burning kerosene in a heater to warm up the air inside a cold house.
    e. cooking food with a charcoal grill.

    • ANSWER:
      14. a-endocytosis
      15. a- facilitated diffusion
      16. c- sunchips contain fewer cals, more fiber and less saturated fat
      17. either a/d. (unsure about this >_>)
      18. c. maple season

      hope this helps, and try doublechecking it!

47. QUESTION:
    Did I just get ripppped off?
    My water heater needed to be replaced and the reputable contractor is at our garage right now replacing the new hot water heater. when he first came in, we knew what the charges were, and after he looked at our water tank, he said that our expansion tank needed to be replaced as well as it was installed improperly. he added 0 for expansion tank installation on top of our total charges. (600 bucks for 50 gallon water heater and 260 labor, installation) MY husband said we would just do it because we got kinda scared and we trusted this guy, we did not want to waste moer time without hot water and we were tired of researching and comparing with other contractor. (Other contractor said we didd not need to replace the expansion tank, but they are fairly new and is not so well knwon company) . so the contractor is doing his work right now almost done... should I ask him to give us discount? my husband already signed the work release thing below the estimate, and I feel like we are getting ripped off as i research that the retail price for water expansion tank is only 60-70 bucks.. what do you think??

    • ANSWER:
      the price of the heater seems a bit high, unless it is a 10 year tank guarantee on it. An expansion tank is usually .00 dollars or so, again it would seem your plumber is padding the parts costs a little. The labor seems right on though, so I would ask the guy for a break on the tank and heater prices. Never hurts to ask.Expansion tanks are necessary and required by code in many areas, so the previous post by corky is incorrect

48. QUESTION:
    Did I just get ripppped off?
    My water heater needed to be replaced and the reputable contractor is at our garage right now replacing the new hot water heater. when he first came in, we knew what the charges were, and after he looked at our water tank, he said that our expansion tank needed to be replaced as well as it was installed improperly. he added 0 for expansion tank installation on top of our total charges. (600 bucks for 50 gallon water heater and 260 labor, installation) MY husband said we would just do it because we got kinda scared that as the expansion tank was installed improperly, and we trusted this company, we did not want to waste more time without hot water and we were tired of researching and comparing with other contractor. (Other contractor said we did not need to replace the expansion tank, but they are fairly new and is not so well known company) . so the contractor is doing his work right now almost done... should I ask him to give us discount? my husband already signed the work release thing below the estimate, and I feel like we are getting ripped off as i research that the retail price for water expansion tank is only 60-70 bucks.. what do you think??

    • ANSWER:
      It does sound like you got ripped off. Get an itemized receipt.

      Report him/her to the "better business bureau".

      Water heaters are not that expensive...and it shouldn't cost that much to install.

49. QUESTION:
    Did I just get ripppped off?
    My water heater needed to be replaced and the reputable contractor is at our garage right now replacing the new hot water heater. when he first came in, we knew what the charges were, and after he looked at our water tank, he said that our expansion tank needed to be replaced as well as it was installed improperly. he added 0 for expansion tank installation on top of our total charges. (600 bucks for 50 gallon water heater and 260 labor, installation) MY husband said we would just do it because we got kinda scared that as the expansion tank was installed improperly, and we trusted this company, we did not want to waste more time without hot water and we were tired of researching and comparing with other contractor. (Other contractor said we did not need to replace the expansion tank, but they are fairly new and is not so well known company) . so the contractor is doing his work right now almost done... should I ask him to give us discount? my husband already signed the work release thing below the estimate, and I feel like we are getting ripped off as i research that the retail price for water expansion tank is only 60-70 bucks.. what do you think??

    • ANSWER:
      0 for a 50 gallon HWH sounds about right and the labor sounds fair too. Remember he's got to haul your old tank away.

      Actually the mark up isn't too bad for the expansion tank either. Are you sure the price doesn't include labor as well?

      You can try printing the page that shows the price of the unit you are buying from the contractor and see if he'll lower his cost. Like I said, remember, he's got to haul the old parts away. Plus he is obviously knowledgeable in his profession so something goes wrong he's got the know-how and the tools to do the job. Remember such contractors are also feeling the strain of our economy so don't be too upset if prices have gone up.

      Ultimately I think you should just trust him and let him do it. Eventually you do want to have a grouping of contractors in mind whom you trust so when things fall apart you know who you can count on. It would be nice if we could fix everything that goes wrong with our houses by ourselves, huh?