Conserving water is not only good for the environment, it’s good for your septic system. Whether you have a septic or use town water / sewer, you’ll save money by using water efficiently.

The following tips are ways you can conserve water:

• replace old appliances like washing machines and dishwashers – newer models are very water efficient, and will even save on your electic bill
• replace old toilets with “low flow” toilets that use significantly less water
• run your dishwasher and clothes washer only when they’re full
• fill your bathtub with only as much water as you need
• turn off faucets while shaving, brushing your teeth, or washing dishes
• maintain and check all plumbing to eliminate leaks
• check all faucest and make sure they are turned off completely when not in use

Categories: First Time Buyers, Buying, Environmental, Septic Systems, Bennington VT

A key reason to the question “why should I be concerned about maintaining my septic system” is money!
Failing septic systems are expensive to repair or replace, and the most frequent reason is improper maintenance. Regular inspections (at least every 3 years) are cheap in comparison to the cost of replacing an entire system. The tank should be pumped out ever 3 to 5 years, depending on the size of your tank, and how many people are living in your home. A system that is not functioning or has not been properly maintained will lower your property value and could pose a legal liability.

With regular maintenance and care, your system will treat waste properly and you’ll be preventing the spread of bacteria, infection and disease while protecting water resources.
Categories: First Time Buyers, Buying, Environmental, Septic Systems, Bennington VT

Maintaining your septic system is the most important thing to learn.

A septic tank should be inspected every 3 years and pumped out every 3 to 5 years, or more frequently if your system gets heavy use, or you aren’t . This should be done my a professional.

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Understanding how your system works is critical to being able to maintain it.

A typical septic system has four components, including a pipe that carries the waste from the house, a septic tank, a drainfield and the soil surrounding the entire system. Microbes in the soil digest and remove most of the contaminants from the wastewater before it eventually reaches the groundwater.

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How often do you buy light bulbs?  Want to do it less often, and save money in the process?

Bennington has kicked off the Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) Campaign by offering CFLs at two area locations for $.99 each.  Aubuchon Hardware at 120 Depot Street  and H. Greenberg & Sons located at 321 Main Street have partnered with Efficiency Vermont to offer these energy (and money) saving light bulbs.

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If you’re relocating to the Bennington VT area, or maybe moving from an in-town location to something a little more rural, you may not be familiar with the care required of your septic system.

It’s important to know how your system works and even more important you need to know how to maintain your system.

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Water touches your life on so many ways, for cooking, bathing, drinking – it’s important that you know how good your water is. If you have a well, you should check the quality of your water annually. If you have municipal or town water, you’ll be able to get a water quality report from the town. The water quality report for Bennington VT is online.

Water from your well can become contaminated, and regular testing can ensure the water you use for cooking, bathing and drinking is safe for your family.

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It was reported today that Americans as a whole are only 0.3 percent healthier than they were at this time last year, according to the 17th annual edition of America’s Health Rankings: A Call to Action for People & Their Communities™, released today. This increase is significantly lower than the nation’s average annual improvement of 1.5 percent documented between 1990 and 2000, and only keeps pace with the 0.3 percent average annual national improvement since 2000. The report also observes that the United States continues to trail other nations in important statistics such as healthy life expectancy and infant mortality.

This year, the report ranks Minnesota as the healthiest state in the nation for the fourth year in a row. Vermont comes in second, followed by New Hampshire, Hawaii and Connecticut. Louisiana is ranked as the least-healthy state, while Mississippi (49), South Carolina (48), Tennessee (47) and Arkansas (46) complete the bottom five.

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Homes meeting the Energy Star standard are built to be 15 percent more energy efficient than homes built to the standard residential code.Introduced in 1992 by the Environmental Protection Agency, Energy Star is a partnership between the federal government and the private sector — suppliers, manufacturers, and installers — that focuses on reducing energy consumption.

Here’s how it’s done:

• Heating and Cooling. Energy-efficient systems use less energy and are more durable, quieter, and deliver more comfort. Savings can reach $400 annually.
  
• Sealed Air Ducts. Eliminating gaps in ductwork leads to cleaner air and can reduce average annual utility bills by as much as $150.
  
• Appliances. Energy Star units, which can include refrigerators, dishwashers, water heaters, and washing machines, use less energy.
  
• Insulation. Properly installed insulation — typically blown-in or foam — nearly eliminates air gaps and completely fills the cavities in ceilings and exterior walls.
  
• Windows. High-performance windows with protective coatings on glass and improved frames help keep heat indoors during winter and outside during summer.
  
• Tight Construction. Sealing holes and cracks in a home’s exterior framing sheathing and siding helps reduce air infiltration.

Categories: Bennington VT, Environmental

There’s a Yahoo Group that I’ve been part of for quite a while, it’s a great way to recycle items that you might ordinarily throw out or donate to charity.

You join the Freecycle group on Yahoo, and then you start receiving emails of items that people in the area are giving away. You can also post messages describing items that you want to give away. By exchanging a few emails you can give away or get great items.

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