Make the most of your rainwater tank this summer

If you own a water tank it is important for you to consider the ways you can maximise the rainwater in your tank to get the most from your water system.

Rainwater tanks generally require little maintenance; however there are a few things you can do to help gain the best benefit from your rainwater system:

  1. Regularly clear gutters and roof catchment – keeping them free of debris such as leaves , twigs and vermin
  2. Remove tree branches overhanging on your roof
  3. Check any protective mesh regularly and replace them if damaged – to prevent algae from forming and mosquitoes breeding
  4. Ensure that overflows from air conditioners or hot water systems don’t discharge into the overflow area of your rainwater tank
  5. Tanks should be examined for accumulation of sludge at least every 2-3 years

To ensure you are maximising the use of water available from your rainwater tank, ensure that you use your rainwater tank for the following:

  • Watering your garden and lawn – during warm weather, this is best in the morning or evening
  • Washing your car
  • Filling your swimming pool, spas, ornamental ponds or water features
  • Connect your tank to your toilets and laundry, so tank water is used to flush toilets and wash your clothes, rather than mains water

This way, not only are you are saving money but also helping to preserve the environment.

How to beat the heat in your home this summer

As the temperature rises, so does the temptation to crank up the air conditioner. But there are ways to reduce the summer heat in your home before resorting to mechanical cooling.

Direct sunlight on windows can produce as much heat as a radiator, so shade exterior windows (especially north and west-facing ones) with blinds and curtains inside, and awnings or pergolas outside. Deciduous trees, bushes or vines outside windows and walls will also provide heat protection in summer.

Close windows and curtains during the hottest part of the day to keep out heat and save on cooling costs. When it cools down outside open your home up to the evening breeze. This will lower the temperature inside. Create airflow by opening windows or doors on opposite sides of the room.

If you haven’t already insulated your home, you could be wasting up to half the energy you use to cool your home by allowing cool air to leak out and hot air to enter. And don’t forget to draught-proof your home by sealing gaps around windows and doors—this helps keep cool air in and hot air out. Weather strips are a cheap and easy option. Check out gift shops for some funky new versions of the traditional sand-filled ‘sausage’.

Electrical appliances and lighting can pump out heat too, so turn off lights, computers and televisions when not in use and try to use the dishwasher or washing machine in the morning or evening when it’s cooler. Avoid using the oven in the middle of the day. Even your choice of light globes can make a difference to the heat in a room. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) not only emit less heat than older-style light globes, they are far more energy efficient and can last 4 to 10 times longer.

If you decide to use electrical cooling, consider using fans. They use a fraction of the energy an air-conditioning system uses and create a breeze to make you feel cooler. Remember, fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave the room.

If you have an air conditioner, use it only when you have to and don’t over-cool. Set the temperature between 25 and 27 degrees Celsius. Setting the thermostat to even one degree higher can save between 5 and 10 per cent on your energy use. Consider buying a programmable thermostat for your air conditioner so that you can set it to suit your schedule and needs. If your air conditioner has a component such as a compressor that sits outside, try to provide it with some shading—if it’s sitting in full sun it has to work harder than it needs to. You might be able to use shading plants or an awning over a window. Don’t forget to clean the filters regularly to help your system work more efficiently.

Hopefully these tips will help you beat this heat this summer! If find these tips helpful, why don’t you share this article?

This article was first published on LivingGreener.gov.au and reposted on www.sydneywatertanks.com.au and www.bioseptic.com.au

New Year’s Resolution: help preserve water around your home

Start the year off with the plan to be more water wise around your home. By doing this, you will help to preserve water and do your part in helping to sustain this valuable resource. With the rise in living costs, population growth and pollution, the need to conserve water now has never been more important. You can play an active role and make informed choices that will help to make a difference to our environment.

 

Here are some tips on how you can save water around your home and garden:

  • In your garden, water your plants early in the morning or evening. When washing your car, use a bucket of water and park it on your lawn. Adding compost to your garden beds will help increase the amount of water available to your plants.
  • In your home, install water efficient devices and regularly check for leaking taps and pipes. When washing fruit and vegetables, half fill a sink to wash it rather than under running water. Make sure you don’t leave the tap running when you brush your teeth.
  • Install a rainwater tank as an additional water source for your home and garden.

 

Being water wise is easy if you know how and what to do. The benefits of saving water include saving money and protecting our precious environment, so make water conservation your New Year’s Resolution!

 

What do you do around the house and garden to help save water? We’re always open to new ideas!