Many people are not really aware of what a condensate drain line on an Air Conditioning system is or what it really does.  In most homes there is a small pipe (often white) that extends out from one side of the house.  It should discharge at least a foot away from the structure, be free of debris and when the air conditioner is running, water should be flowing freely from it.  That’s right… you should routinely check this pipe and make sure there is an ample flow from it.  If the water is not flowing, it’s flowing out somewhere else inside the house.  This is not a good thing, especially if your air handler is in the attic or another part of the conditioned space.

Each day as a part of the normal cooling process, air conditioning systems remove a large quantity of moisture from the air.  In some cases, this could be 5-20 gallons or more per day.   Generally this can be easily captured and stored.  Historically, there has been little thought given to this wastewater, but a couple of things have happened which are causing people to start thinking about ways to use this significant source.

• People are becoming more aware of the importance of conserving our natural resources
• Drought conditions seem to be becoming more prevalent in certain areas

While this train of thought is a good one, there are few things that must be taken into consideration, as this water may not be as pure as expected.  Although this moisture is essentially distilled water – mineral free and with a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level of near zero, it should NEVER be used for human consumption as it may contain traces of heavy metals.  It can also be corrosive to most metals such as steel and iron due to the lack of minerals.  Some sources recommend only using condensate water for plants not intended for human consumption.   Chemicals such as bleach are often poured into the drain lines to help keep them clean, so be aware of what has gone into that system before pouring it on plants.

As with any greywater system, A/C condensate should not be stored for long periods particularly in warmer climates.

With a little care and awareness, condensate collection can be a very effective alternative way to keep landscape plants growing without running up your water bill or depleting natural resources.

Have you got a creative way to use this stuff?  Let us know by leaving a comment!

My Friends Dick and Karla Nielsen beat me out of the gate on publishing an article on the use of rain barrels. Here’s what they have to say: 

“With Florida’s dry season ahead, wouldn’t it be great if we could conserve rain when we do get it to use for those dry spells?  You can!  And you do it with a rain barrel.

Every time it rains, the roofs on our homes act as collectors for thousands of gallons of rain water and channel it to the ground typically though gutters and downspouts.  Unless this water is “harvested”, it is unavailable for future use for irrigating our lawns, washing our cars and other non-potable tasks.

Rain barrels function cheaply and easily as small cisterns to capture and hold roof run-off.  For centuries, cisterns have been used as a way of keeping a supply of water, most often in water deficient locations.  Today, storing rainwater also aids in the reduction of storm water runoff, which can help reduce the levels of pesticides and fertilizers that drain into ponds, streams and lakes.  With an eye toward the conservation of resources and dollars, rain barrels are now coming into the American mainstream.

Rain barrels are relatively inexpensive, come in all sizes and shapes and are self-contained in design.  To determine the best size for your needs, consider your garden’s size and your area’s level of rainfall.  (Also be sure to check your community’s deed restrictions).

The Hillsborough County Extension Service has partnered with the Hillsborough County Water Resource

 Department to offer rain barrel workshops that include a free 55 gallon rain barrel (1 for each Hillsborough County household) plus help in assembling the system.”

Although this mentions Florida, water conservation methods and rainwater harvesting are universal for all areas.  Not only is it good for the environment, it can be good for the pocketbook by reducing utility costs.  

Most people think of the 55 gal blue or reddish plastic barrels.  These of course are often the cheapest and most readily available.  If you’re having trouble finding one, try an online source such as Craiglist.  A simple search will turn up dozens of suppliers for all types of barrels.  A container can be anything from a plastic box, to an oak barrel.  There are some quite attractive designs such as the one on the right made by Algreen Products.  Click the image for additional information and to see others.  

Got an interesting or creative rain barrel installation?  I’d love to hear about it.  Please leave a comment below!

Dick and Karla are Real Estate Consultants in the Tampa Bay area with over 35 years of experience.  www.DickandKarla.com

Living in Central Florida, water restrictions are nothing new.  We’ve been on restrictions for years and they only keep getting tighter and tighter.  Just this past week I received a note along with my water bill that said we are entering the dry season at record low water levels, and things won’t get better anytime soon.   Read More

By now, who hasn’t heard of Energy Star and seen the every growing placement of the familiar logo.  Although it has taken some time, general awareness of the advantages of buying a product or even a home with the Energy Star logo is at an all time high.  What most people don’t know is that there is another program which seeks to bring the same level of awareness about products which can help protect our future water supply.  WaterSense is a partnership program sponsored by the EPA.  The purpose is to help consumers identify water-efficient products and programs.  Water sense labeled products will perform well, help save money, and encourage innovation in manufacturing.  

The program covers the following products and services:

• Bathroom sink faucets
• landscape irrigation services
• New Homes
• Showerheads
• Toilets
• Urinals
• Weather- or Sensor-based irrigation control technologies

When shopping for water related products or services, or just looking to upgrade fixtures in order to save money and resources, always look for the WaterSense label.  These product have been tested by an independent third party.  

For more information visit the EPA WaterSense Site.

Sinkpositive multipurpose accessory sink

It’s not that I have an obsession with saving water in the bathroom, but when I ran across this device, I just couldn’t resist.  The sink replaces the lid on your toilet tank, connects to the fill valve and operates whenever the toilet is flushed.  There are several advantages to having a fixture like this: 

Runs whenever the toilet is flushed – no handles to touch.

Encourages hand washing – faucet is already running, why not?

Conserves water – water used for hand rinsing goes into tank flush next time.

Serves as a visual reminder of just how much water is going down the toilet.

Can help detect early leaks in the flush valve.

Sometimes the simplest answers can be right in front of us.  The device is made by SinkPositive and sells for just over $100.

Do you ever think about how much water goes down the sink drain in the bathroom just during the normal course of daily use?  Have you ever thought about whether using drinkable water to flush waste down a toilet was a good idea?  Some estimates of home water usage are that 74% is in the bathroom.  It is also estimated that about 40% of domestic water consumed is to flush toilets.  I’ve often wondered about this, more and more so lately as more frequent drought conditions accompanied by increased development and water usage are making us more conscious of water management issues.  

Read More

One way to save water and dollars! 

Do you ever think about the amount of water you flush each day? Even with a low flow toilet you flush a significant amount of water unnecessarily.  Estimates are that you could save 5 gallons per day per person, so for a family of 3 that’s about 450 gallons a month or 5400 gallons per year!  You could replace your toilets with the expensive dual flush kind, which are common in Europe, or you can install a simple device like “Select A Flush”. 

Select A Flush easily installs in minutes using highly engineered, long lasting seals.  It fits most 1.6 to 7 gallon two piece toilets.  You get to choose whether you need a small flush or a larger flush; so simple you 
choose to move the leaver to the left or right! This system is also safe for septic systems and it is less that $30 per kit. 

Go green, save water and dollars: www.selectaflush.com 

Elaine

Title: Going Green Tampa Bay Expo
Location: USF
Link out: Click here
Date: 2009-04-11