Home Improvement Buyers Guides and Resources

Updating your Bathroom for Energy Efficiency

noreply@blogger.com (Overstock Deals) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 22:28:00 +0000

In recent years, energy efficient products have become more elegantly designed as homeowners increasingly want to improve efficiency without sacrificing the look they want. Today a plethora of options exist for improving the efficiency of a bathroom, from installing low flow faucets to making those seemingly minor repairs that are often buried low on the priority list.

Reducing water consumption is a major way to boost the energy efficiency of a bathroom. Installing low flow shower heads and bathroom sink faucets will help reduce the amount of water used in everyday activities. Older toilets also waste a lot of water, so replacing yours with a high efficiency model is a worthwhile investment. Some cities and organizations offer rebates or other incentives for upgrading appliances and fixtures to approved energy efficient ones, so be sure to research whether you are eligible for any such incentives when making energy efficient updates in your home.

Reducing the use of hot water will help save energy. Depending on your budget for upgrades, you may consider replacing a water heater with a more efficient one, or adding a low cost water heater jacket to help retain heat within the tank for longer periods of time. A water heater on a timer allows you to eliminate needless heating of water during times when it is not needed, such as late at night or while you are at work.

Another way to use less energy in the bathroom is by replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs. This simple change can help reduce energy consumption not only in your bathroom, but throughout the entire home.

Although not as exciting as getting new sink and shower fixtures, be sure to repair problems such as water leaks or poor seals on air ducts, which can consume energy unnecessarily. A drafty window is another culprit for wasted energy. Putting off seemingly minor repairs may be costing you money.

Last but certainly not least, make an honest assessment of your habits with regard to water and electricity consumption in the bathroom. Are there any areas that can be improved? Some simple changes are turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving, rather than letting it run when not in use. Another step you can take is avoiding taking unnecessarily long showers.

You do not have to make a heavy investment in a complete bathroom overhaul to improve energy efficiency. Every step counts!

About the Author: David Ems is the CEO of Overstock Deals, a leading supplier of discount faucets and fixtures for residential and commercial applications. Please visit www.OverstockDeals.com to browse kitchen and bathroom sink faucets and other plumbing fixtures from 50+ major brands.

Shopping for a New Kitchen Sink: Single, Double or Triple Bowl?

noreply@blogger.com (Overstock Deals) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:14:00 +0000

One of the decisions you will encounter when shopping for a new kitchen sink is the number of bowls you prefer. Double bowls are most commonly found in homes today, but single and triple bowl sinks have also become common for use in new homes and kitchen renovations. Some factors to think about are the size of your sink base (the space where the sink will be installed), how you use your kitchen and how you wash dishes. Here we take a look at a few considerations for deciding among single, double or triple bowl sinks.

Single Bowl Sinks
The main advantage of a single bowl sink is having one large basin in which to work. Single bowl sinks are helpful for tasks like washing large items such as pots and buckets. They also make sense when the sink base is relatively small, and functional space within the sink needs to be optimized. Single bowl sinks are common options for areas that have limited purposes, such as islands or wet bars.

Double Bowl Sinks
Double bowl sinks are the most common in kitchens today. The primary advantage of a double bowl sink is the ability to use each side of the sink for different tasks at the same time. Washing dishes becomes more convenient when one basin can be filled with water and the other can be used for rinsing. A division between two bowls is also helpful for keeping the garbage disposal available while dishes are placed in the opposite side. A drawback of a double bowl sink is that compared to a single bowl sink of the same size, a double bowl sink has less capacity to wash large pots and pans.

Triple Bowl Sinks
Triple bowl sinks usually consist of two larger sink basins with a smaller one in the middle or to the side for the garbage disposal. This configuration keeps the garbage disposal available, even if both sink wells are occupied. Typically triple bowl sinks are best suited for areas with large sink bases, and provide the ability for more than one person to stand and comfortably work at the sink.

The most important consideration when shopping for a kitchen sink is how you use your kitchen. Think about your past experience with sinks of different types as well as what your preferences are when washing dishes.

About the Author: David Ems is the CEO of Overstock Deals, a leading supplier of discount faucets and fixtures for residential and commercial applications. Please visit www.OverstockDeals.com to browse kitchen and bathroom sink faucets and other plumbing fixtures from 50+ major brands.

Choosing a Replacement Bathroom Sink Faucet

noreply@blogger.com (Overstock Deals) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:54:00 +0000

Bathroom faucets can change the look of an entire bathroom, or be as understated as you would like. The wide variety of bathroom sink faucets available provides the freedom to choose a bathroom sink faucet that fits your taste and the style of your home. Installing a beautiful new bathroom faucet can be quite rewarding, and there is no need to feel overwhelmed by the plethora of choices out there. Every faucet will not work with every sink, so narrowing down the options to select the perfect faucet may be easier than you think.

First, determine how many holes your sink has and the distance between them. Some sinks have one hole, while others have two or three. For a single hole sink, you know that you will need a single hole faucet. If your sink has more than one hole, you will need to know the distance between the centers of the outer two holes, called the faucet spread, to ensure that you purchase a faucet that will fit. Similarly, a wall mount faucet should be replaced with a faucet of the same mount style.

Another measurement to consider is the distance from the faucet handles to the wall behind the sink. The handles should have enough room to be operated conveniently. If you have limited space between the faucet and the wall, that is a factor to consider when selecting your faucet. Once you have taken all of the necessary measurements, you can limit your faucet options to just those that work with your sink.

With the options narrowed to those that will fit your sink, it is time for the fun part of choosing the style. Bathroom faucet styles range from very simple to intricately detailed antique replicas, and everything in between. Choosing the right faucet style for your home is largely a matter of personal preference, but you may want to keep in mind other factors such as the other fixtures in the room and the style of your home. Coordinating your new faucet with existing fixtures will give the bathroom a cohesive look. If you are replacing all of the fixtures, shopping from a collection will ensure that all of the finishes and styles flow well together. If the rest of your home fits into a particular style, you may consider keeping the consistency by choosing a bathroom sink faucet that fits. There are no concrete rules about coordinating styles, but for instance, a modern faucet may best fit with a modern style home.

For more information about choosing the right faucet, please visit our Bathroom Sink Faucets Buying Guide.

About the Author: David Ems is the CEO of Overstock Deals, a leading supplier of home improvement products including a vast selection of faucet fixtures. For more information and to browse the latest Delta bathroom sink faucets, the full Kohler kitchen faucet collection and more, please visit www.OverstockDeals.com.

Shopping for a Kitchen Sink: Mounting Options

noreply@blogger.com (Overstock Deals) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:01:00 +0000

There are many options to consider when choosing a new kitchen sink, such as size, number of bowls, surface material and mounting style. The majority of kitchen sinks fall into one of three main categories that affect the way they must be mounted - self rimming, undercounter and apron. Each of these types has its own distinct look and mounting requirements.

Choosing a kitchen sink that is consistent with the look you want is important, but the sink must also work with your countertop and cabinet size. Here is an overview of each of the major classifications of kitchen sinks:

Self Rimming Sink
Self rimming sinks, also called top mount sinks, are the most common sinks used in kitchens. A self rimming sink is mounted into the counter and held in place by an edge that protrudes over the opening in the countertop in all directions.

Of the types discussed here, self rimming sinks are the easiest to install. They also typically cost less than undercounter or apron styles (though not for all styles).

Undercounter Sink
An undercounter (or undermount) sink is installed below the counter surface, revealing the edges where the countertop was cut for installation of the sink. Because the edges of the counter surface are visible, undercounter sinks are usually not installed into laminate countertops. Undercounter sinks work best with solid surface or stone countertops which have edges that can be finished.

Apron Sink
Commonly called a farmhouse sink, an apron sink is a specific type of undercounter sink that is exposed on the front, rather than being hidden behind cabinets. Farmhouse sinks usually sit a bit lower than other types and and typically consist of one, fairly deep basin. Take into consideration that installing an apron sink often calls for custom made or custom cut cabinetry, which will likely incur additional costs.

The wide variety of styles available gives you practically endless options when shopping for a new kitchen sink. Most people choose to replace kitchen faucets and sinks at the same time for convenience and to ensure a consistent look. Determining what mounting option is best for your kitchen will help narrow the options so that you can focus on other details such as size, number of basins, surface material and a look to match your kitchen’s style.

Check out our Learning Center for information about Installing A New Kitchen Sink and more expert advice!

About the Author: David Ems is the CEO of Overstock Deals, a leading supplier of home improvement products including a vast selection of faucet fixtures. Please visit Overstock Deals for kitchen and bathroom sink faucets, bar faucets, whirlpool faucets and more.

What are the types of Garbage Disposals?

noreply@blogger.com (Overstock Deals) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:25:00 +0000

If you are in the market for a new garbage disposal, you may have noticed that there are a few types to choose from. You may have also encountered some terminology such as continuous-feed and batch-feed and wondered what it all meant. Below is an overview of the main types of disposals available.

Continuous-feed Disposals
Continuous-feed disposals, which are controlled by flipping a switch on the wall or sink, are the most common type. Waste can be continually fed into the disposal as long as the water is running. The opening to the disposal remains open during operation, which is one of the major differences between this type and batch-feed disposals, discussed below.

Batch-feed Disposals
A batch-feed disposal, also called a cover control garbage disposal, works only when its stopper is in place. A batch-feed disposal is operated by adding waste and water at once, and inserting the cover to grind all of its contents in a "batch." Waste cannot be fed into the disposal nonstop because it only operates when the cover is secure. There is no switch for operation, so installation is simpler than a continuous-feed disposal. Since they must be covered in order to operate, batch-feed disposals can be good options for households with children.

Septic Tank Garbage Disposals
If you have a septic system, there are garbage disposals specifically designed for your system. Septic tank garbage disposals work like continuous-feed disposals, but contain cartridges that help break down food waste. The cartridges must be replaced every 3-6 months. It is important to note that a septic system garbage disposal should not be used to dispose of seafood shells or tobacco.

Garbage disposals make working in the kitchen so convenient that many homeowners consider them indispensible. For more information about disposals and how to determine which is the best one for your household, check out our Garbage Disposals Buying Guide.

About the Author: David Ems is the CEO of Overstock Deals, a leading supplier of over 500,000 kitchen and bath products including the complete product line from Kohler. Please visit www.OverstockDeals.com for the full collection of Kohler bathroom sinks, Kohler bathroom faucets, Kohler whirlpool bathtubs, Kohler kitchen and bar faucets, and products from over 50 other brands.

Shopping for a New Kitchen Faucet - Will it Fit my Sink?

noreply@blogger.com (Overstock Deals) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:33:00 +0000

Allow us to help you combine functionality and style in the center of your kitchen by selecting the perfect kitchen faucet for your home!

There are many product options to take into consideration when shopping for a new kitchen faucet, like whether to choose a standard or a pull out spray kitchen faucet, and your preference between a single or double handle. That's why we have created a Kitchen Faucets Buying Guide to help you consider the choices and find the right wall mount, bar prep, pot filler, or pull out kitchen faucet for any kitchen style.

The most important thing to know before buying a kitchen faucet is to know the type of sink that the faucet will be used with.

Factors to consider when selecting a faucet to match your sink:

Does the faucet have the right number of mounting holes to match the sink?

Measure the distance between the holes on your sink and select a faucet to match.

Is the spout on the faucet you are considering long enough to reach the center of the bowl?

Is there enough clearance behind the sink? All kitchen faucets have different handle options and some faucets require more room to turn the water on and off. Always check the distance between the backsplash, or wall, to determine adequate clearance for the faucet you are considering.

Saving Energy with Tankless Water Heaters

noreply@blogger.com (Overstock Deals) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 22:56:00 +0000

As the name insinuates, a tankless water heater is one that lacks the storage tank of a standard water heater. In a storage water heater, water is heated within the tank and then released as hot water is used within the home. When the temperature of unused water in the tank falls below the set temperature, it is reheated to ensure that a ready supply of hot water is available at all times. Water within the storage tank is heated and reheated regardless of whether it is needed, resulting in wasted energy.

Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, heat water on demand, eliminating the wasted energy associated with storage water heaters. In tankless water heaters, an electric element or a gas burner heats water only when hot water is demanded. When a hot water faucet is turned on, for instance, unheated water travels to the tankless water heater and is heated before being transported to the faucet. Because of this functionality, tankless storage heaters are also called demand water heaters, or instantaneous water heaters. This technology results in less wasted energy since water is not heated unless it is going to be used. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a tankless water heater will consume 24% – 34% less energy than a storage water heater in a home that consumes 41 or less gallons of water per day.

Tankless water heaters are available in different capacities that raise the temperature of water by certain amounts based on its flow rate, or the number of gallons per minute. Bathroom sink faucets, for example, have a lower flow rate than bathtub faucets, so less energy is needed to heat the water for sink faucets. Tankless water heaters are available in smaller capacities that can heat water for just one sink or one bathroom, or in capacities sufficient for an entire home. The availability of various sizes gives homeowners the opportunity to install a tankless water heater for a specific purpose, such as heating water for a washing machine or dishwasher.

Tankless water heaters have stringent electrical and venting requirements, so hiring a professional for tankless water heater installation is advised.

About the Author: David Ems is the CEO of Overstock Deals, a leading supplier of home improvement products from 50+ brands such as Delta Faucets, Kohler, Danze, Grohe, American Standard, Price Pfister, InSinkErator, and Moen. For more information and to find the right bathroom faucet, pull out kitchen faucet, a full line of whirlpool faucets and more, please visit www.OverstockDeals.com.

Removing a Faucet: What Tools Do I Need?

noreply@blogger.com (Overstock Deals) — Thu, 14 May 2009 15:15:00 +0000

Replacing a faucet is a relatively easy home improvement project that most homeowners can do themselves. The first step to updating a faucet is removing the existing one. Removing a faucet is not difficult, but having the right tools handy will make the job quicker and easier.

The first step in removing a faucet is cutting off the supply of water to the faucet. No tools are necessary for this step; simply turn off the valves under the sink by hand. After closing the shutoff valves, run the faucet on both hot and cold to eliminate excess water.

Next, you will need to disconnect the water supply lines from the faucet by removing the coupling nuts. A flashlight will be necessary if your faucet connections are inside a cabinet. The best tool to remove these will be a basin wrench or a pair of water-pump pliers. Though not necessary in all circumstances, applying penetrating oil will make the process of removing faucet fixtures much easier. Particularly if the coupling nuts are stubborn or corroded, as is often the case with older faucets, apply penetrating oil to them and wait 15 minutes prior to disconnecting the faucet. You may also want to apply penetrating oil to the tailpiece mounting nuts at the same time, since you will be removing those next.

Once the penetrating oil has worked its magic, remove the tailpiece mounting nuts using the basin wrench. With the pipes detached and the coupling and tailpiece mounting nuts removed, you are ready to remove the faucet from the sink. Remove the faucet from above by pulling straight up, using a putty knife to loosen it from the sink if necessary.

To recap, the list of supplies you will need to remove a faucet is brief:

Flashlight

Basin wrench or water-pump pliers

Penetrating oil (if needed)

Putty knife (if needed)

Be sure to check out our Learning Center for Buying Guides, Installation Tips and Expert Advice!

About the Author: David Ems is the CEO of Overstock Deals, a leading supplier of home improvement products from 50+ brands including Moen, Kohler, Danze, Grohe, American Standard, Price Pfister, InSinkErator and Delta Faucets. To browse popular Delta kitchen and bathroom faucets such as the Delta Leland faucet, Delta Waterfall and the Delta shower faucet collection, please visit www.OverstockDeals.com.

Update your Bathroom on a Budget

noreply@blogger.com (Overstock Deals) — Tue, 12 May 2009 14:58:00 +0000

If you want to achieve a high end look in your bathroom without investing in a costly remodel, these tips for updating a bathroom on a budget are for you.

Choose a Color Palette
Choosing a color scheme for your bathroom will help give it a more professionally designed look. This is not to say that everything in the room has to be the same color, but sticking with a color palette of two to three main colors as well as a finish color will help you create better visual harmony. Keep your color scheme in mind when selecting paint colors, rugs, wall décor and other accessories.

Matching the finish on metal items will streamline the look of your bathroom. Select a uniform finish for all of the metal fixtures, such as bronze or brushed nickel, and incorporate the same finish into bathroom sink faucets, shower fixtures, light fixtures and cabinet handles.

Revamp what you can’t Replace
Replacing everything in a bathroom is not feasible on a tight budget, so try to allocate your funds to the updates that will have greatest impact. Maybe the cabinet finish is worn, or the countertop color is straight out of the seventies. Alleviating the biggest eyesore in the room can result in a dramatic improvement in its overall look.

Countertops and bathtubs can be refinished for a lower cost than buying replacements, and cabinets can be repainted or stained. You can replace a light fixture inexpensively, or update an existing one with metal paint for less (be sure to read manufacturer recommendations). Even flooring can be relatively inexpensive to replace in a small area such as a bathroom. If replacing flooring is not an option, consider adding a rug that is in keeping with your color scheme to take attention away from the floor itself. The possibilities are endless for refurbishing important parts of your bathroom without replacing the big ticket items.

Create a Focal Point
Just as you can creatively divert attention from the parts of the bathroom that are subpar, you can guide the eye to visually appealing parts of the room by creating a focal point. A focal point such as a distinctive bathroom faucet, a beautiful work of art or a standout vanity mirror is the perfect touch to inject unique style into the room and distract from any imperfections.

There are plenty of ways to update your bathroom on a budget. Check back often for more tips and ideas for turning your bathroom into a spa-like retreat!

About the Author: David Ems is the CEO of Overstock Deals, a leading supplier of faucets and sinks for residential and commercial applications. For more information and to browse the latest Delta bathroom sink faucets, the full Kohler kitchen faucet collection and more, please visit www.OverstockDeals.com.

Style Considerations for Replacing a Faucet

noreply@blogger.com (Overstock Deals) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:00:00 +0000

A home’s overall style is an important consideration when selecting faucet fixtures for a kitchen or bathroom. Whether you are replacing a faucet for functional or aesthetic reasons, considering elements that are common throughout the rest of the home can help you select the right faucet style. Is your home traditional, or is it more modern? Is it historic? Choosing a faucet that is in keeping with the home’s style will contribute to an appealing visual flow and a cohesive look throughout every room.

If you are not sure what color finish you want for your new faucet, you can get some helpful clues from other fixtures in the room, or in other parts of your home. Most homes are designed with similar or coordinated fixtures throughout to achieve a consistent style. Some fixtures that may help you decide are cabinet handles, door knobs, light fixtures and fans.

Faucet designs vary greatly, from very simple to ornate and everything in between. You do not have to feel restricted by a single type to achieve a look that coordinates with your home’s style. Lots of older homes are updated with modern fixtures throughout, and newer homes can also look great with antique style fixtures. Every room does not have to match a cookie cutter design, but style that is fairly consistent from room to room is typically considered better for resale value.

If your home is older or has been renovated in a historic style, you do not necessarily have to sacrifice its rustic look when the time comes to replace a faucet. Many new faucets have designs reminiscent of antique faucets, with some created to be replicas of popular faucets of the past. This mix of old and new gives you the flexibility to preserve a historic style while enjoying the functionality and modern convenience of a brand new faucet.

Choosing the perfect faucet style for your home is a fun process, but do not forget to focus on functionality as well. By considering your lifestyle and the style of your home, you will soon find a faucet that blends style and function in a way that is perfect for your home.

About the Author: David Ems is the CEO of Overstock Deals, a leading supplier of discount faucets and fixtures for residential and commercial applications. Please visit Overstock Deals to browse kitchen and bathroom sink faucets and other plumbing fixtures from 50+ major brands.