Monday, November 28, 2022

4 Benefits of Granite Countertops

 If you’re remodeling your kitchen, there are many design details to keep track of. Are you repainting the old kitchen cabinets or are you replacing them all? Will you be updating all of the appliances? What kind of backsplash design did you have in mind? These are all very important aspects of a kitchen remodel, but we’re going to focus on arguably the most important detail: the countertops. Think about it, you use your countertops everyday to prepare food, to store small kitchen appliances and to enjoy and serve meals on. With that said, have you decided what material you’ll use for them? Granite is an excellent choice for many reasons, our team explains some of the major benefits below. 

#1. Resistant Against Scratching and Chipping

Your countertops go through a lot of wear and tear over the years, especially kitchen countertops. Did you know that granite is the second most durable material in the world, second only to diamonds? While it’s always recommended to use chopping boards to cut up vegetables and other foods, your granite countertops won’t scratch or chip and should last you for years to come.

#2. It is Moisture, Heat and Stain Resistant 

Anyone who enjoys cooking knows how important it is to work on surfaces that can withstand high temperatures, moisture, and the occasional staining. You can place a hot pan straight onto a granite countertop (although we recommend using a pot holder!), and food and drinks that frequently leave stains like beets, turmeric, red wine and tomato sauces won’t damage granite. Also, the kitchen is one of the major places in your home where moisture is ever-present, so you don’t want countertops that can’t withstand moisture. 

#3. Each Piece of Granite is Unique 

There are no two pieces of granite on earth that are the same, so you’ll have countertops that are completely unique to you. There are many different types of granite and it comes in a range of colors, so you can select the specific color that matches the color scheme you’re going for. Granite also has a classic look that will never go out of style, so while the decor in your home will likely change over the years, your countertops will stay looking great for decades to come. 

#4. Granite Is Very Affordable

Granite is a popular choice because it’s very affordable, ranging between $50 to $200 per square foot, including installation costs. The total cost will depend on how thick you want your countertops to be, so speak with a professional installer to get an idea of how much granite countertops will cost based on your style preferences.  

Originally published at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/granite-countertop-benefits/

Monday, November 21, 2022

Tankless Water Heaters Or Not?

 Is it time to replace your water heaters? Are you trying to decide between a hot water tank or a tankless water heater? Your water heater is one of the most frequently-used appliances in your home, so it’s important to invest in one that will last you for years to come, while also being energy efficient and affordable. With that said, we’re here to highlight tankless water heaters and how they just might be the right choice for you. 

Tankless Water Heaters Are Cheaper

Tankless water heaters are the cheaper option in the long run, because unlike hot water tanks, they only heat up the exact amount of water that you need. If you have a hot water tank, it’s constantly re-upping the hot water supply. Not only that, hot water tanks expend more energy to keep the water hot, even when you aren’t using it. 

They Are More Energy Efficient

Because tankless water heaters only heat your water on demand, they are more energy efficient than hot water tanks. As we briefly touch on above, a hot water tank works around the clock, while a tankless water heater only expends energy during the exact times you’re using hot water. You won’t have to worry about 40-50 gallons of unused hot water sitting in a tank.

Tankless Water Heaters Last Longer

Did you know that tankless water heaters have a lifespan of more than 20 years? Compared to hot water tanks which last on average between 10-12 years, it’s easy to see why a tankless water heater is a great investment. For homeowners who plan to stay in their homes for decades to come, a tankless water heater will stand the test of time. 

Types Of Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters either run on electricity, natural gas, or propane. Some of the market-leading brands include Rinnai, Rheem, and Stiebel Eltron, and they can be installed inside or outside of the building. However, we recommend installing the heater as close to your appliances as possible. 

Where To Find The Perfect Water Heater For Your Home

At Cross Town Plumbing, we stock many market-leading tankless hot water heaters, and we can advise you on installation, cost, and other important elements to consider when making your choice. 

Originally published at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/tankless-water-heaters-or-not/