Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Greenhouse Gas

A gas that absorbs infrared radiation in the atmosphere. Reduce greenhouse gases by installing Energy Star-rated appliances, using LEDs, biking, walking or carpooling more often and buying products made of recycled materials whenever possible.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Green Seal

A nonprofit organization that provides science-based environmental certification standards for everything from filters to air chillers.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Gray Water

Nondrinkable water used for irrigation, flushing toilets and other purposes as a way to help conserve water and energy in the home. Gray-water sources include water from tubs, showers, non-kitchen sinks and washing machines. Consider installing a gray water recycling system, which filters the nondrinkable water and stores it in a short-term storage tank for use around the house.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Global Warming

The gradual increase in the average temperature of the Earth's surface and atmosphere.

**There is some scientific and political debate regarding this theory**

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Fossil Fuels

Oil, natural gas and coal.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Extensive Garden

Low-maintenance gardening areas that feature more shallow soil depths and hardier species that do not require artificial irrigation.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Energy Star

A joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy dedicated to helping consumers save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices. Look for products that have earned the Energy Star rating.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Energy Efficiency

A product's ability to use less wasted energy but still maintain the same result, such as an energy-efficient light bulb.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Dual-Flush Toilets

Dual-flush toilets are designed to conserve water and allow consumers to choose either a low- or full-flush capacity.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs)

These bulbs contain a gas that produces invisible ultraviolet light when the gas is stimulated by electricity. Illumination is a result of the light reflecting off a white coating inside the bulb. The bulbs use less energy because the process doesn't require heating a filament to produce light. They also last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Chlorofluorocarbons

Used in refrigeration, insulation and aerosol propellants, these chemicals drift into the upper atmosphere and destroy the ozone layer. Look for products that are CFC free.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Certified Sustainable Forestry

Forest owners and members of the wood and paper products industry replace trees harvested by man or that are lost to fires or disease. The Forest Stewardship Council certifies products that are produced with sustainable woods. Look for products bearing the "FSC-certified" label.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Carbon Neutral

A process that doesn't add to the net amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Look for ways you can reduce carbon emissions, such as maintaining your car, reducing travel miles and conserving energy in the home.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Biofuel

A derivative of biological material, such as food waste, used oil from fast-food fryers or poultry litter, that can be converted to fuel and be both sustainable and carbon neutral. One way to take advantage of biofuels is to drive a car that runs on it.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Alternative Energy

Energy from a source other than fossil fuel sources, like natural gas or coal, such as wind, sun or running water. To take advantage of alternative energy, consider installing solar tubes, panels or solar electricity generation systems.

Courtesy of : "Green Glossary: What it Means to be Green; How to Implement it."

Monday, February 25, 2008

Rough Plumbing

This is an interesting video that has some good information:


Plastic Pipe Installation and Technical Manual

Below is a link to a Plastic Pipe Installation and Technical Manual.

http://www.charlottepipe.com/Documents/PL_Tech_Man/ABS_PVC_pipe_fittings-TM.pdf

From Charlotte Pipe and Foundary Company. This is a real insteresting and handy thing to have around.

Copper Tubing

Here is a link from the Copper Development Association. http://www.copper.org/applications/plumbing/techref/cth/tables/cthindex_table.htm

This has some interesting specifications about copper tubing.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

How To Solder Copper Pipe

This is a handy video about this lost art. Something every UT needs to know.


Design Requirements for Air Admittance Valve

Attached is the Design Criteria for Studor air admittane valves. These valves can be very handy when installing plumbing.

Design Criteria

Lennox SureLight Ignition

Below is a link for the service manual for the Lennox SureLight Ignition System...just remember when in doubt, read the manual.

Surelight Ignition System

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Vent Pipe Problem

Here is an interesting video that talks about some vent problems that you might encounter.


Macerator

Here is a link that talks about macerators. If you have to install a toilet in a basement or in a place where there is no slope, you should use a macerator.

What is a macerator?

Faucets Acorn to American Standard

Here is a catalog that shows exploded views and part numbers for faucet manufacturers Acorn through American Standard. These are used to show how faucets go together and what parts to order.

Faucet Repair