$399,900.00 10612 Plantation Bay Drive Tampa, FL 33647 Beds: 5.0 Rooms: 0 Baths: 3.00 Sq. Ft.: 3351.00 Garage: 3.0 Built: 2001   LAKE FRONT PROPERTY LOCATED ON 18TH GREEN HERITAGE ISLES GCC This is a new listing that I thought you might be interested in. Visit this listing online to see more photos of the property, Google Earth satellite images, and much more.   If you have any questions about this property or require more information, please feel free to call. Coach Santoni New Tampa Home Sales 8137841188 www.newtampahomesales.com     Visit this listing at Here

http://www.tanklesswaterheaterguide.com/ What is a Tankless Water Heater?----------------------------------------------------------------- Tankless Water Heaters, also called Instantaneous or Demand Water Heaters, provide hot water only as it is needed. Traditional storage water heaters produce standby energy losses that cost you money. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- We do not leave our homes heated while vacationing. We only heat our homes when there is a demand for heat. In the same way, a Tankless Water Heater is used only when there is a demand for hot water.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ How do Tankless Water Heaters work?----------------------------------------------------------------- Tankless Water Heaters heat water directly without the use of a storage tank. Therefore, they avoid the standby heat losses associated with storage water heaters.---------------------------------------------------------------- When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into the unit.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In an electric Tankless Water Heater an electric element heats the water. In a gas-fired Tankless Water Heater a gas burner heats the water. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As a result, Tankless Water Heaters deliver a constant supply of hot water. You don't need to wait for a storage tank to fill up with enough hot water.------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Typically, Tankless Water Heaters provide hot water at a rate of 2 – 5 gallons (7.6 – 15.2 liters) per minute. Typically, gas-fired Tankless Water Heaters will produce higher flow rates than electric Tankless Water Heaters. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Some smaller Tankless Water Heaters, however, cannot supply enough hot water for simultaneous, multiple uses in large households.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For example, --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------taking a shower and running the dishwasher at the same time can stretch a Tankless Water Heater to its limit. -----------------------------------------------------------------To overcome this problem, you can install a “whole house” type Tankless Water Heater or install two or more Tankless Water Heaters, connected in parallel for simultaneous demands of hot water. ----------------------------------------------------You can also install separate Tankless Water Heaters for appliances—such as a clothes washer or dishwater—that use a lot of hot water in your home.-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other applications for Tankless Water Heaters include the following: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Remote BBQ or outdoor sink Poolhouse or pool shower Remote bathrooms or hot tubs To serve as a booster, eliminating long pipe runs, for solar water heating systems, dishwashers and sanitation.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, Tankless Water Heaters can be 24% – 34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters. They can be 8% – 14% more energy efficient for homes that use a------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ lot of hot water, around 86 gallons per day. You can achieve an even greater energy savings of 27% – 50% if you install a Tankless Water Heater at each hot water outlet. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Selecting a Tankless Water Heater------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Before buying a Tankless Water Heater, consider the following: Fuel Type Location, Size and Demand Application ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Fuel Type The first thing that you'll need to decide when selecting a Tankless Water Heater is the fuel type. You will need to select between an Electric Tankless Water Heater (like Eemax Tankless Water Heaters or Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heaters) or a Gas-Fired Tankless Water Heater (like Rheem Tankless Water Heaters). Requirements for Electric Tankless Water Heaters Requirements for Gas-Fired Tankless Water Heaters ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you plan to purchase an Electric Tankless Water Heater, consider the Electrical Requirements:--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Voltage Amperage Circuit Breaker Voltage Many retailers sell units that will accommodate 110V, 120V, 208V, 220V, 240V, and 277V.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amperage Different Electric Tankless Water Heaters will have various requirements in amp draw. You will want to ensure that you can support the electrical demands of your Electric Tankless Water Heater.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Circuit Breaker You must ensure that you have a circuit or circuits that will support your Electric Tankless Water Heater. It may be necessary to put your Electric Tankless Water Heater on its own circuit or circuits.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You should consult with a qualified, licensed electrician for more information. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you plan to purchase a Gas-Fired Tankless Water Heater, consider the Gas-Type and Venting Requirements:----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You will first need to identify whether your gas type is Natural Gas or Propane. It is imperitive that you examine your current gas line to ensure that it will meet the requirments of your new Gas-Fired Tankless Water Heater. The requirements of the Tankless Water Heater may exceed that of your existing tank-style water heater.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Next, you will need to consider venting requirements for your specific installation scenario. There are a few important things to keep in mind when purchasing the gas venting accessories for your Gas-Fired Tankless Water Heater.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be sure that you purchase Category III stainless steel (UL1738 certified) venting for your Gas-Fired Tankless Water Heater. "Type B" venting accessories are not acceptable. Also, be sure to check local building code to ensure that your specific needs will be completely met.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Additionally, many Tankless Water Heater manufacturers offer gas venting "kits". It is recommended that customers evaluate the needs of their specific installation to ensure that they will be getting all of the necessary gas venting accessories. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Depending on where you will be installing the Tankless Water Heater, a pre-made kit will probably not meet your needs.------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ensure that you measure out the vent route and consider where the discharge will go through the wall or ceiling, consider the necessary clearances, and consider ample access to air for combustion, then buy the appropriate gas venting pieces.-------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Note: Gas-Fired Tankless Water Heaters may still require a minimal electrical connection. Be sure to review installation requirements for the units you are considering for purchase.---------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Location, Size, and Demand When deciding which Tankless Water Heater to purchase, you will also need to consider where you will need hot water.------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Are you looking for a unit that will heat the water at one bathroom sink (single point application), an entire bathroom (multipoint application), or an entire house, apartment, or condo (whole house application)? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------It is important to recognize the number of fixtures that will require hot water. Each fixture will have its own demands. The chart below illustrates the typical flow rates (demand) for some standard fixtures:---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Typical Flow Rates in Gallons per Minute (gpm) Fixture Type Lavatory Bathtub Shower Kitchen Sink Pastry Sink Laundry Sink Dish-washer --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Flow Rates 0.5 2.0 – 4.0 1.5 – 3.0 1.0 – 1.5 1.5 – 2.5 2.5 – 3.0 1.0 – 3.0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The flow rate is especially important, since Tankless Water Heaters will generate a temperature rise based on the flow rate demanded.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For example, a Stiebel Eltron Tempra 12, running on 240 Volt power, will raise the water temperature by 54°F at 1.5 gpm, 36°F at 2.25 gpm, and 27°F at 3.0 gpm, above the ambient incoming water temperature, up to 125°F. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A larger unit, like the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36, running on 240 Volt power, will raise the water temperature by 92°F at 1.5 gpm, 92°F at 2.25 gpm, and 82°F at 3.0 gpm, above the ambient incoming water temperature, up to 125°F.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Temperature Rise Based on Flow Rate, Up to 125°F Flow Rate 1.5 gpm 2.25 gpm 3.0 gpm Tempra 12 54°F 36°F 27°F Tempra 36 92°F 92°F 82°F --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This means that if you are using a 1.5 gpm shower and a 1.5 gpm kitchen sink simultaneously, a total demand of 3.0 gpm, the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 12 will raise the temperature 27°F, whereas the Stiebel Eltron Tempra 36 will raise the temperature 82°F. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Next, you should look at your ambient incoming water temperature.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you live in a cold climate, like New York, your incoming water temperature will likely be much lower than if you live in a warm climate, like Florida. Your best bet is to find out how much temperature rise you will need in order for your hot water to reach the desired heat. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If the ambient incoming water temperature for your shower is 65°F, you are using a 2.0 gpm shower, and you want to raise that temperature to 115°F, you will want to look for a Tankless Water Heater that will provide at least a 50°F temperature rise at 2.0 gpm (115°F - 65°F = 50°F). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------However, if you anticipate additional simultaneous demand, such as the hot water from a sink being used while someone is showering, you will need to add the sink's gpm to the shower's gpm in order to determine your overall gpm demand and then find the temperature rise necessary to meet your overall needs.------------------------------------------------------------------------ 60° F Incoming Water 2 gpm Shower 110° F Desired Output Water Temperature You will need a Tankless Water Heater that produces a 50°F temperature rise at 2 gpm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thermostatic ---------------------------------------------------- The Thermostatic Tankless Water Heater serves as a booster for temperature loss from long pipe runs, dishwashers and sanitation. Thermostatic units are good for applications where precise temperature control is essential; such as schools, hospitals and laboratories.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Whole House Indoor Use------------------------------------------- Larger Whole House units are designed to serve an entire house, apartment, condo, or cabin, where multiple points of use will exist. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tankless Water Heater Installation and Maintenance Proper installation and maintenance of your Tankless Water Heater can optimize its energy efficiency.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proper installation depends on many factors. These factors include climate and local building code requirements. You should have a qualified, licensed plumbing and heating contractor install your Tankless Water Heater.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Many Tankless Water Heaters have a life expectancy of more than 20 years. They also have easily replaceable parts that extend their life by many more years. In contrast, storage water heaters last 10 – 15 years.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You should consult the manufacturer's website or literature, such as the manual, for detailed warranty information.

RISMEDIA, Oct. 24, 2008-Mortgage rates reversed course in a big way this week, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropping from 6.74 percent to 6.32 percent. According to Bankrate.com’s weekly national survey, the average 30-year fixed mortgage has an average of 0.39 discount and origination points.

The average 15-year fixed rate mortgage nosedived to 5.93 percent, while the average jumbo 30-year fixed rate dropped to 6.32 percent. Adjustable mortgage rates were moderately lower, with the average 1-year ARM now 6.14 percent and the average 5/1 ARM sinking to 6.49 percent.

One week after posting the biggest one week increase since April 1987, mortgage rates staged the largest one week decline since May 1995. Tentative signs that the credit freeze is beginning to thaw, as evidenced by a drop in 1-month and 3-month LIBOR of over 100 basis points in the past week, sparked the reversal in mortgage rates. In addition, yields on benchmark 10-year Treasury notes also dropped as worries about a deep and prolonged recession predominated. Mortgage rates move in relation to Treasury yields, but at a spread-or markup-over the risk-free government debt. With Treasury yields falling and mortgage credit spreads narrowing, mortgage borrowers had two factors working in their favor. This is in stark contrast to one week ago when both factors were working against them.

The major retreat in mortgage rates over the past week has a direct impact on a homebuyer’s affordability. At last week’s rate of 6.74 percent, a $200,000 loan carried a monthly payment of $1,295.87. This week, with the average rate at 6.32 percent, the monthly payment on a $200,000 loan is $1,240.55.

Survey Results:

30-year fixed: 6.32% — up from 6.74% last week (avg. points: 0.39)
15-year fixed: 5.93% — up from 6.40% last week (avg. points: 0.42)
5/1 ARM: 6.49% — up from 6.61% last week (avg. points: 0.54)

Bankrate’s national weekly mortgage survey is conducted each Wednesday from data provided by the top 10 banks and thrifts in the top 10 markets.

RISMEDIA, Oct. 17, 2008-(MCT)-If you think you have extra time to make your holiday travel plans because the turbulent economy will keep more people home this year-think again.

Most travel experts I talked with say that despite the uncertain times, people still like to go home for the holidays. “People will borrow money to visit relatives during the holidays,” said Tony Maupin, owner of Maupin Travel in Raleigh, N.C.

However, there will likely still be less congestion at airports-because there will fewer seats to accommodate travelers.

This winter, U.S. airlines will experience worse-than-expected capacity declines as they fight to cut costs and offset fuel costs, according to a report released last week by the OAGback Aviation Solutions.

Domestic airlines will cut the number of available seats by 9%, or 21.4 million seats, during the fourth quarter, according to the report. It will also reduce the number of flights by 265,000, or 59% of the global market.

That means that this holiday season there are going to be a lot of would-be travelers left stranded on the tarmac.

“I recommend you get your reservations early,” Maupin said. “It’s going to be tight. I think you will see some people who may not be able to fly who want to.”

People planning trips overseas or to their favorite tropical island won’t fare much better.

OAG’s latest figures show that the world’s airlines will offer 46.3 million fewer seats this winter, and 451,000 fewer flights.

“They may be able to find a good deal on a hotel in the Bahamas, but they may not get a flight there,” Maupin said.

If the flights to your destination are all booked up, alternative transportation such as trains and buses are available. But it will likely cost more than the airfare.

For example, on Thursday I compared the costs of roundtrip ticket from Raleigh to New York-leaving Nov. 25 and returning Nov. 29.-traveling by plane, bus and train. I checked Cheaptickets.com, Greyhound, and Amtrak. The lowest prices available were $197, $202 and $243, respectively.

If you want to compare those amounts to what it would cost to drive, you can go to AAA’s fuel calculator website at www.aaa.com, click on the tab Autos & Driving and then click on gasprices/trips. The site estimates your costs based on regional gas price averages. In my example, the same round trip from Raleigh to New York City would cost about $122 in fuel.

If you do plan to fly over the holidays, here are some money-saving tips:

- Book your reservation now. There are fewer seats for sale and only a slim chance of last-minute discount tickets.

- If possible, be flexible with your travel dates. For example, staying over until Monday or Tuesday may save you hundreds of dollars if you can afford to take time off from work.

- Pack your lunch. Most airlines charge for meals, and airport food is usually expensive.

- Pack light. Remember that most airlines charge for overweight bags. Check your airline to find out its maximum weight and other baggage restrictions. If you have a lot of gifts, ship them.

Safe travels.

 

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10 tasks that improve home energy efficiency

October 17, 2008

 High energy prices are taking their toll on just about everyone this year, so it's important to do whatever you can to create and maintain an energy-efficient home. Fall is the ideal time for weatherization projects, so this year's fall checklist is centered around what you can do to create a warmer home that has less impact on your wallet.

___Check all insulation levels: Improving insulation levels can be a highly effective way of increasing your home's comfort and energy efficiency, so make it a point this fall to check the amount and condition of all visible insulation. This includes the attic, underfloor, kneewalls, skylight shafts and ductwork. A call to your local utility company will tell you what levels are considered optimum for your area, and if repairs are needed and you don't want to undertake them yourself, they can also recommend qualified insulation and weatherization contractors.

___Check and seal heating ducts: Crawling around in the attic or crawlspace isn't anyone's idea of a fun afternoon, but it's the only way to examine and repair your heating ducts. Check for gaps between ducts and fittings, and seal them with a quality metallic tape -- not regular duct tape, which doesn't last. Also, check to be sure that all of the ducts are up off the ground and adequately supported.

___Check weatherstripping: Gaps around doors and windows -- no matter how small or seemingly insignificant -- allow cold outside air to enter your home. The result is uncomfortable drafts and wasted energy. Closely examine each exterior door and window to see that the weatherstripping is doing its job. There should be no visible gaps, the weatherstripping should be clean and undamaged, and windows and doors should operate smoothly and close completely. If any repairs are necessary, you can find everything you need at your local hardware store or home center, or contact a qualified weatherization contractor or handyman.

___Seal exterior penetrations: Weatherstripping is not the only culprit when it comes to air leaks. Spend a day working your way around the outside of the house with a caulking gun and a couple of tubes of high-quality, flexible caulking, and seal any gaps around window and door trim, plumbing and electrical penetrations, flashings and other openings.

___Add outlet gaskets: Shut the power, remove switch and outlet plates, and add precut foam outlet gaskets, which are available from home centers, hardware stores and other retailers. Do the interior walls as well as the exterior walls, and don't forget exterior outlets as well. It's a small thing, but small things definitely add up.

___Change furnace filters: Fall is always the perfect time to put in new furnace filters. It's another one of those simple and inexpensive tasks that can add to your home's efficiency and your family's comfort.

___Upgrade your thermostat: An older thermostat that's a couple of degrees off can result in a lot of wasted energy, and so can forgetting to set the thermostat down at night. You can take care of both of those problems with an upgrade to a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats are digital and typically very accurate, and they allow for easy, set-and-forget programming of temperatures for different times of the day, including energy-saving nighttime and workday setbacks.

___Clean and service fireplaces and woodstoves: Make sure that your gas, wood, and pellet-burning fireplaces and stoves are clean and operating correctly. Check door gaskets, blower operation, flues and flue caps, thermostats and all other aspects of these important appliances. If you're not sure what to look for or how to do any cleaning or repairs, check with a qualified, licensed fireplace shop or chimney sweep.

___Install a carbon monoxide detector: If you have any gas appliances in your home, there is always the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning should any of them ever malfunction. This is a very real danger, especially as we close our homes up for the winter, so make it a point this fall to install a carbon monoxide detector. These lifesavers are inexpensive, easy to install, and available from most home centers and hardware stores.

___Check smoke detectors: Same warning every fall -- check to see that your smoke detectors are operating correctly, and install fresh batteries. If you have an older home with a limited number of detectors, install additional ones outside each bedroom, and make sure that you have at least one on each floor of the house.

By Paul Bianchina
Inman News