hereitcomesagain's Profile

Put in an electric tankless in 2004 and have been nothing but pleased with it. Wouldn't go back to a tank if you paid me. The one I got uses generic hardware store elements, so if one eventually burns out, I don't expect it to cost a fortune to replace. I was lucky that I had capacity on my electrical panel for it, though.

I don't think it is fair to blame the unit or manufacturer if you low-ball your choice of unit. A good vendor will give you guidance on how to size the thing. I followed the formula, but chose the high side when the formula came out between two sizes. I get plenty of hot water.

I like the midnight blue idea. Then go for Boston Ivy "Fenway Park" (parthenocissus tricuspidata) which comes in in spring with tender maple-like leaves in a bright, unripe-lemony green and then goes through a somewhat deeper green to orange and red-orange in the fall. Three plants will cover your whole house in about 10 years, or you can trim it back to just the areas you want covered. It will, if you let it, form a curtain fringe over windows. It offers significant cooling in summer, and even a small reduction in heating demand in winter. (How?! Not yet shown.) You'll get all the benefits of a green wall in summer, and still be able to soak up sun in winter. Once mature, it will need little or no water or fertilizer. Water and a little fertilizer is good for the first year, and maybe second and third.

Local auto glass place says that the UV activated adhesive they use for auto glass rock chip fixes bonds kitchen glass as well. Example was a glass cake plate with plate separated from foot. Haven't tried them for it, but assume they know what they are talking about.

They make great elastic ties for almost anything. I've even used a hank of one for a cat collar. Hanging storage -- I've seen them used for drying walnuts. I've seen them crocheted into a small rug.

My favorite use for them is to keep a dog from chewing at a bandage. Cut openings for nearby appendages and pull on the dog. Looks hilarious but does the job and less unpleasant for the dog than those crazy plastic cone things.

I've used them for keeping a human hand bandage clean and in place, too. On hand, cut hole for thumb and pull over bandage.