Maintain your Water Heaters – Regardless of what kind you have…

Very few people know that water heaters require maintenance much like the other appliances in our homes, such as the HVAC system. If not maintained, the water heater will not run as efficiently, and over time, will begin to deteriorate and ultimately ruin the entire unit. The following information can save you time, money and headaches in the future.


Over time, as water moves through your water heater, dirt and other residue begin to build up in the bottom of the tank itself. The water heater is designed to capture this dirt and residue so it does not travel through the hot water pipes and into our fixtures. No matter what type of water heater you have, you should consider flushing the unit at least once a year. This way, you can allow the water heater to run more efficiently, increase the amount of water you are getting, and save a bunch of money in the long run.

Benefits:

- Water heater last longer – saving you money

- Runs more efficiently – saving monthly gas and electric costs

- More hot water and for longer – no build up, more volume

- Increased water pressure, no build up, more pressure


Depending on the type of water heater you own, we have listed a couple of links that will help you flush your water heater on your own or you can give your neighborhood plumber a call and they will be happy to help out.

Traditional (Tank) Water Heater:
http://inspectingphoenix.com/home-maintenance-tip-flush-your-water-heater

Tankless Water Heater:
http://www.eztankless.com/service.html



With these easy steps you can double the life of your water heater, not matter they type.

What Builder Certifications Mean for Your Home

While looking for a custom home builder, you may come across various building or green certifications. Of course, unless you’re in the industry, you may not know exactly what all these different certifications mean. More importantly, you may not know how these certifications benefit you.

Below is a short list of common certifications you might see – and a quick guide to what these certifications mean for your future home.

• Certified Graduate Builder—This exclusive designation certifies the builder’s business and project management skills. Certified Graduate Builders have a keen understanding of today’s home building industry, and they go through continuing education to keep up to date with all developments in the industry.

For You: When you have a well-qualified project manager on your side, you can rest easy knowing your home will be built on time and within budget. Cunningham Building and Development has two Certified Graduate Builders on staff, helping us exceed all standards for your project.



• NAHB Certified Green Professional—As a Certified Green Professional, a builder demonstrates the highest level of knowledge and skills for incorporating green building principles into homes without increasing construction costs.

For You: This certification means you’ll get an energy-efficient house that’s good for you and the environment. At Cunningham Building and Development, we have two NAHB Certified Green Professionals on staff—a distinction few builders in all of Texas can boast.



• LEED—Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) is a worldwide standard for green building. This certification provides third-party verification that a home was built to be energy efficient, water efficient, reduce CO2 emissions, achieve high indoor air quality, and more.

For You: LEED certified homes have a smaller footprint on the environment, and that’s something you can feel good about. At Cunningham, we combine energy efficiency and luxury design to deliver a home that meets LEED green building standards.



• Energy Star—Energy Star is a government-backed program aimed at helping to protect the environment through advanced energy efficiency.

For You: Energy efficient building practices can help you save money on your energy bill while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Cunningham Building and Development can create a home for you that meets the Energy Star standards.

Have questions about these building certifications? Just leave a comment and we’ll be happy to respond.