Noritz vs. Navien; Round 2!

Well, at least I know that SOMEONE is reading some part of this blog!

I received an anonymous comment about the blog I posted (was it only yesterday?!) entitled "Noritz vs. Navien". The commenter was not happy with my blog.

He or she (it was anonymous, after all) told me that, for him (I will make this assumption), the site loaded right away. He also told me that Navien is located very near to us and that we obviously didn't know this (I am paraphrasing).

Let me say that we were not trying to offend, just report an experience that we had. If the person who commented would like to respond... what's the opposite of anonymously?

(I looked it up and the opposite of anonymous is identified.)

Anyway, if you will give me a place where I can e-mail you, or even call you, I will do so, and we can discuss this issue. I was only reporting an experience that we actually had, I was not saying that Navien stinks and Noritz is great.

I appreciate someone telling me what they think, pointing out when they disagree, etc. That's called conversation, and I enjoy it. If you wish to continue the discussion, either through commenting on this blog, or any other method, I would invite that.

I hope this came out friendly and inviting. I was not trying to chastise or insult in any way.

Take care!

Proper Disposal of Used Air Conditioners or Old Appliances

Got an old air conditioner or other appliance you're thinking of getting rid of? Don't just put it out with the garbage..or worse, dump it somewhere off the beaten track. Old, household appliances like air conditioning units, refrigerators, freezers, washers and dryers contain components and substances that can potentially cause harm to the environment if not disposed of properly.

The release of toxic chemicals, greenhouse gases and heavy metals are all real threats when these appliances make their way to landfills and garbage dumps. Proper recycling and disposal greatly reduces the risk of environmental contamination.


What Can Be Recycled?

Refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers and air conditioners contain chemical refrigerants and insulation that release ozone-depleting substances into the atmosphere when they are thrown away. Older models can even contain mercury and PCBs. Federal laws require proper removal and disposal of refrigerants to reduce the possible effects of these chemicals.

If you need to get rid of an old refrigeration appliance or air conditioner, check your town’s bulk trash pick-up program. Some municipalities offer these “big item” collections a few times a year or allow residents to make arrangements to have large items picked up upon request.

Electronics like computers, stereos and televisions contain recyclable materials and toxic substances like lead, mercury, zinc and brominated flame retardants. Many of these materials can be reconditioned for other applications, so long as the appliances are disposed of properly.

Many major electronics manufacturers and retail stores have programs that let consumers trade in old equipment in exchange for discounts or rebates on new products. Items are collected and disposed of in compliance with federal environmental laws.

The Environmental Protection Agency also maintains local e-waste recycling or donation programs. Check the EPA website for details about programs in your area.

Fluorescent lights contain harmful CFLs that classify them as toxic waste. Because they also have small amounts of mercury, many states ban disposal of lighting equipment in normal household trash.

Many towns do offer safe, environmentally responsible lighting disposal at recycling centers or waste transfer stations. Requirements and opportunities vary from state to state so check the EPA website for more information about programs in your area.

If you have old lighting fixtures that were manufactured before 1979, you are required by federal law to get rid of them properly. Visit http://www.lamprecycle.org/ for a directory of national recyclers.


Can I Get Money for My Old Stuff?

Rebates and discounts are a popular motivation that lots of utility companies and local municipalities use as an incentive to comply with waste disposal regulations. Commonly, rebates are offered for trade-ins of old appliances and are distributed in the form of cash payments or credit toward the purchase of a new Energy Star-qualified replacement. Companies may provide haul-away services or may sponsor drop-off events. The most popular target for these kinds of programs are old refrigerators, though some offer rebates for portable air conditioners, computer equipment and electronics.

If your appliances are still in good, usable condition, you can always offer them to the highest bidder on websites such as Ebay or Craig's List. Other websites, such as FreeCycle and SwapTree will let you list items you wish to simply give away or trade with others.

The most important thing to remember is that many household appliances, particularly older model refrigerators, air conditioners, televisions and light fixtures, can be classified as hazardous waste. It is your responsibility—or the responsibility of your contractor—to handle, dispose of or recycle these items properly to reduce the risks to your health and the environment.


Can I Just Give My Appliances Away?

Sure. Many charitable organizations will take your old appliances, provided that they are still functional and safe. You may even qualify for a charitable tax deduction. Some organizations to consider include:

• The Salvation Army
• Purple Heart
• Goodwill Industries
• The United Way of Southeastern PA
• The United Way of Delaware
• The United Way of Cecil County, MD
• Local churches and synagogues

Related Information...

• Horizon Services - Heating & Cooling Installation & Replacement

Rebates from the State of California

Splash Plumbing has recently learned that you can now get a rebate from the state of California for installing high-efficiency fixtures in your home.

The rules are strict, and it is for a limited time, but here is the gist of it.

- You have to go to http://www.bewaterwise.com/
- Click on “Rebates” at the top of the page
- Click on “Residential Water Customer Rebates”
- Click on “Qualifying Products” to see a list of products

We have included a link to this page here, for your convenience.

- You have to fill out the proper form
- You have to send in the form, the sales receipt, and a copy of your water bill
- You have to have it postmarked on or before 5/31/10
- Your purchase must have been made between 9/21/09 and 5/31/10

Some of the items that qualify are:
* High-efficiency clothes washers
* High-efficiency toilets
* Weather-based irrigation controllers
* Rotating irrigation sprinkler nozzles
* Synthetic turf

As a plumbing company, we will focus on the toilets.

Click this link to see the 18-page list of qualifying toilet models.

If you wish to buy it yourself, we can install it for you. Or, we can do all the work. Just contact us and we can buy it, bring it to you, and install it!

According to the website, rebates for toilets start at $50.00!

So, the benefits are:
- You save money on having a new toilet installed
- You save money on your water bill
- You have a brand new toilet that looks good and works well
- You have a brand new warranty!

The rebates are first come, first served, so don’t wait too long. As soon as they run out of the money they allocated to this program, they will no longer be paying rebates.

If you need a new toilet, or have any other plumbing needs, contact Splash Plumbing today! We service all of Orange County, 24-hours a day. We handle residential, commercial, industrial, and restaurant plumbing. We say:

"If Water Goes Through It, We Do It!"

888-HEY SPLASH