Pros and cons of instant water heater and storage water heater
Pros and cons of instant water heater and storage water heater

Winters make you realize the importance of hot water heaters, especially during chilly months. After all, washing, bathing, cleaning dishes, and many other chores require the use of water. And working with icy cold water is not pleasant at all. Thankfully, there are many reputed brands offering advanced water heaters these days. But most people get confused while choosing between a storage water heater and instant water heater. Now the fact of the matter is that both come with their own set of pros and cons. So you can only decide when you know all about it.

Pros and cons of storage hot water heaters:

  • They are reasonably priced and don’t consume much power
  • These are apt for bucket or shower baths
  • You will need to wait for at least 5 minutes for the water to heat up before bathing
  • It leaves behind a bigger carbon footprint than instant water heaters, which is a concern for eco-friendly consumers
  • Offers limited hot water supply, since it depends on the capacity of the storage tank

Pros and cons of instant hot water heaters:

  • These use energy only when needed. You can switch it on right before use.
  • They are more compact than storage water heaters and very ideal for washing kitchen utensils
  • Instant heaters leave behind a smaller carbon footprint and are more environment-friendly
  • There is constant supply of hot water with no fear of a damaged tank
  • Disadvantage is that they need more power than storage heaters
  • They are not suited for shower baths

After weighing the pros and cons of these two hot water heaters, you can decide which one you need. While the instant version is suitable if you are short on space and not worried about your utility bills, the storage version is more apt if you have a modest budget. Both types of heaters are offered by reputed brands along with many advantageous features. So, conduct a thorough research for both types from different brands and then make your choice.

  • Points to consider while buying used or refurbished laptops

    Used laptops are very different from refurbished laptops even though these two words are used interchangeably. First of all, lets understand the meaning of both of the laptops and gradually, the difference will be clear too. Used laptops, as the name suggests, have been previously used by someone. It is after the usage that these are sold to some other person.

    Refurbished laptops might or might not have been used. They should have been having some minor defect like scratches or the issue may also be major and relating to the software. These defects were removed by the company and they have been restored to the condition of a brand new laptop. The refurbished laptops are thus, checked thoroughly for being capable of working as a new laptop. Hence, they are different from used laptops in many aspects.

    The first difference between the two is that used laptops are not checked for their working before reselling, while refurbished laptops are thoroughly checked and repaired before reselling. Usually, refurbished laptops, due to minor defects, are returned to the manufacturer or seller. It is the company that deals with the further reselling of the product after repairing it. But the used laptops are usually directly sold by the previous owner of the laptop.

    This difference is all the more reason that buying refurbished laptops is much more reliable than buying used ones. Third major difference is that the price of refurbished laptops is more than that of used laptops. This difference in price is justified as the working of a refurbished laptop competes to that of a brand new laptop and is certainty better than that of a used laptop. On this basis, refurbished laptop is a preferred option when it comes to both performance and price. It completes new laptops in price and used ones in usage.

    Refurbished laptops usually come with a warranty, while the used laptops may or may not have a warranty; the warranty of the used laptop depends on the time of usage and the warranty received by the previous owner. Generally speaking, refurbished laptops are supposed to be more reliable as they are purchased from the company outlet or an agent. The seller has the responsibility as the warranty would have been given while the refurbished laptop was sold.

    Used laptops, on the other hand, are less reliable as the liability of the seller (who is usually the previous owner of the laptop) ends when the resale takes place. So, whenever you are buying a refurbished laptop, a person can be assured that he has some place to go if something goes wrong with his laptop. Such luxury is absent when it comes to buying a used laptop unless the warranty is still valid.

    Despite having so many points in their favor, it is not 100% guaranteed that a user will have a better experience with a refurbished laptop than that of a used laptop. Even though there is no warranty along with a used laptop, it is no reason to think that it won’t perform well. Similarly, having a warranty doesn’t mean a refurbished laptop is sure to give a pleasant usage experience.

    It is so that some laptops are better refurbished than the others. The buyer has no way of finding out how thorough the laptop has been checked apart from buying and using it. Moreover, a person might need a laptop for very limited use and a used laptop may suffice. Even though a refurbished laptop has an edge over the used one in more aspects than one, it can never be said that users will stop considering the option of buying a used laptop.

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  • 7 ways to keep the charcoal grill clean

    Charcoal barbecue grill-made foods are full of flavors, but to maintain the functionality of the grill, it needs some cleaning along with regular maintenance. Like any other kitchen appliance, charcoal BBQ grill needs cleaning at least once or even twice at the time of the grilling season. It’s important as the ash or carbon, and rust buildup is not healthy for your health.

    Even manufacturers recommend cleaning the public grills before use because, before you, someone has used it.
    Here is a checklist to ensure you have all the necessary things for cleaning the charcoal barbecue grill.

    • Several grills do not have peeling scope inside the lids due to a coating of porcelain enamel. You may find some small pieces of paint like debris sometimes. Relax! These aren’t any kind of paint but the accumulated grease and smoke which are collected while using the grill. Make sure to check these things if you’re purchasing a charcoal grill on sale. The debris can be removed by simple brushing. Use a stainless steel brush before grilling. If you want to prevent the accumulation in future, wipe the grill with paper towels. Even mild soap water solution can also be used after the cooking is finished. Always do this when the charcoal barbecue grill is warm but watch out for the temperature.
    • If you want to clean the inside portion, there are two ways; you can use machine One-Touch for removing excess grease and smoke accumulation out of the kettle bowl. Or use mild dishwashing soap with steel wool pad.
    • For cooking grates to be free from stain and ash, preheat the grill and open all the vents while maintaining the grill temperature high. Keep it like this for 10 to 15 minutes, and after that use the bristle brush made of stainless steel to dust off remaining debris. Residue attached to the grate can cause the food to stick while grilling.
    • For maintaining the charcoal BBQ grill perfectly fine for cooking, you can wipe down the lid as well as the bowl during cooling. Use mild detergent water or glass cleaner for this to get spotless shine.
    • Check the ash catcher every time you grill. Keep it sufficiently empty and don’t overcrowd the catcher.
    • Scrubbing with aluminum foil can be of excellent use. You can use it to clean the leftover debris off the part of the grate.
    • If you’re using a public grill, make sure to place a paper bag or plastic to remove the debris out of the charcoal barbecue grill into another bag.

    Keep the aluminum foil, paper, and plastic bags, bristle brush, putty knife and grill brush (coarse brush) in store if you’re working on a charcoal barbecue grill. A properly cleaned grill can elevate the taste of the food by maintaining appropriate hygiene.

    If you haven’t purchased one already, look for the best charcoal grills on sale. However, opt for reliable and reputed brands even if you want to buy charcoal grills for sale.

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  • Easy bruising – Causes and treatments

    Contusion or bruises are caused when there are injuries to soft tissues. If looked closely then it is seen that bruises occur underneath the broken skin. The damage is then seen through skin tissues. But before we get into easy bruising treatment, let us look at some of the main causes that lead to easy bruising.

    The causes of easy bruising?
    It is simply that the damage to soft tissues causes the blood vessels under the skin to break. These red blood cells escape out from the capillaries and then get collected under the skin. This results in the blue color of the bruise.

    Some of the people might get easily bruised, and there are a number of reasons for easy bruising. Old age and think skin are two of the reasons that can intensify easy bruising. The blood vessels become fragile, and a person can easily get bruised without much intensity of the impact as well.

    Easy bruising is a sign of some type of medical condition. If a person is easily bruised, then there is the immediate need for attention. Contact the doctor and take precautions. Also, insufficient production of platelets is also one of the causes of easy bruising. Platelets are the components of the blood, which help to control the wall leaks in the injured blood vessels. This very disorder is also known as thrombocytopenia. It is indicative of situations such as alcohol abuse or anemia. One can rule out these possibilities

    Another reason or cause of easy bruising is the deficiency of vitamin K. Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables. Lack of vitamin C can also be the cause of easy bruising.

    Let us look at some of the effective, easy bruising treatments:

    Aloe vera
    Considered as one of the most effective easy bruising treatments, aloe vera also is good for soothing skin irritation. Rub aloe vera where the bruise occurs and let it rest for some time.

    Vitamin C capsules
    In case of a person bruises easily, the person can resort to vitamin C capsules that can be of great help. Two supplements a day can provide antioxidant that strengthens the capillaries and bond the collagen fibers.

    Arnica gel
    Applying arnica gel on the bruise can be an effective treatment. Arnica is from the daisy plant family and is found in the Rocky Mountains.

    Keep these handy tips in mind whenever you are looking for easy bruising treatments.

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  • Factors to consider while choosing the best automated investing service for you

    Today, we can safely say that robo advisors, automated investing services, have established their place in the investment management landscape. Over the years, these services have evolved into offering clients human financial advisors, among other solutions. With so many interesting automated companies around, it can be difficult to figure out which one is the best for you. Here are a few important points you must consider to narrow down your options.

    Check the fees

    Many robo advisors usually charge a percentage of your invested assets as an annual management fee. For most, this fee ranges from 0.25% to 0.50%. If the annual fee is 0.5%, you will be charged $50 if your account balance is $10,000. That being said, some services charge no fees at all, or some can charge as much as 1%, depending on what they’re offering. If you’re just getting started and are planning to invest only a little, a zero-fee or minimal fee robo advisor can be a great choice.

    Know what the service is offering

    Fees shouldn’t be the main factor while choosing the best automated investing service. You must have a look at what these robo advisors are offering apart from essential services. Some robo advisors’ services can significantly boost the returns on your investments, making up for any fee that you’ll be paying annually. For instance, services can help you with tax benefits by investing in individual securities and even feature goal-based tools to motivate you to save more.

    Decide if you need a human advisor

    When looking for a robo advisor, you have options that range from automated investing services that can fully manage your investment to hybrids, where you can get advice from a human financial advisor. If you think you would need a human advisor, then only look for some companies where you can get a dedicated financial advisor or a rotating cast of advisors that changes whenever you call. Of course, a personal financial advisor is more expensive.

    Investment options

    The success of an automated investing service is attributed to the type of asset class the service is heavily invested in. Most robo advisors invest your money only in exchange-traded funds (ETF). But if you want to diversify your portfolio, look for a robo advisor that can offer more customization.

    Minimum account balance

    If you’re getting in the game and do not want to go all-in, consider a robo advisor with either no minimum balance criteria or low balance criteria. You may come across services that demand a minimum balance as much as $100,000 to get started. Typically, if an advisor is offering service like a personalized finance advisor, the minimum balance is higher.

    Account types

    There are several account types that investors can choose from, including taxable accounts, IRAs, or a 401(k) plan. Ensure that the robo advisor you opt for has the account type you want.

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  • Top 3 super foods to ease the agony of spondylitis

    Illnesses like spondylitis are complex, and while it may be life-threatening in rare cases, spondylitis can definitely make an individual feel uncomfortable. There is no specific cure for spondylitis, but there are various alternatives for managing spondylitis. Changing your food habits goes a long way in treating spondylitis.
    Here are the top 3 foods that can effectively combat pain, inflammation, and stiffness that assail the body due to spondylitis.

    Sesame seeds
    Rich in calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin K and vitamin D, sesame seeds are good for your bone health as well as for overall well-being. A popular ingredient in organic medicines, a few sesame seeds can reduce neck pain and musculoskeletal pain. This is why it comes first on our list of super foods that are helpful in spondylitis treatment. You may consume roasted seeds or include it in your recipes and enjoy the benefits of this wonderful ingredient.

    Turmeric
    The medicinal properties of turmeric are well known. Its anti-inflammatory property makes it a reliable remedy for curing cervical spondylitis without analgesia. Apart from its anti-inflammatory property, turmeric is also known for improving blood circulation that helps in lessening stiffness and pain brought by spondylitis.

    Ginger
    Ginger is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used since ages to alleviate body pain and is effective in controlling the debilitating pain of spondylitis as well. This ingredient can be used in several ways:

    • Massage ginger oil onto the affected area for quick relief.
    • For a lasting result, you can also drink ginger tea three times a day.
    • Eating dried ginger powder along with celery seeds, cumin seeds and black salt also helps in overcoming body pain.

    Apple cider vinegar
    Known for its alkalizing properties, this anti-inflammatory product is significantly helpful in lowering pain due to spondylitis. It is particularly useful in curing cervical spondylitis. The best way to consume apple cider vinegar is to add one tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar and honey in a glass of water and drink it daily.

    Spondylitis treatment can be supplemented through these 3 simple yet highly effective dietary inclusions.

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  • High-risk cancer foods to avoid

    A healthy diet is one of the essentials of living an illness-free lifestyle, including lowering your risk of cancer. Understanding nutrition is essential if you are either managing this illness or trying to avoid it. Speak to a doctor in detail to know why these following foods should be avoided to reduce the risk of cancer. If you are managing your symptoms, you can also read about immunotherapy that may be helpful for your recovery.

    Processed meats
    These are primarily red meats like hot dogs, salami, sausage, corned beef, beef jerky, and ham. These meats are preserved using smoke, curing, salting, and canning and these processes can create carcinogens in the food. Several reviews suggest that over-consumption of processed meat is related to breast, stomach, and colorectal cancer.

    Fried foods
    According to research, a compound called acrylamide is formed when starchy ingredients are cooked in high temperatures, and this compound is responsible for damaging DNA and causing the death of cells. As over-consumption of fried foods can lead to obesity and risk of diabetes, it also increases oxidative stress in the body. These unhealthy reactions in the body may increase the risk of cancer.

    Alcohol
    The liver in the body breaks down alcohol into a compound called acetaldehyde. This compound is carcinogenic, and it promotes oxidative stress and damage to the body’s DNA. When such a reaction occurs in the body, it weakens the immune system, making it difficult to kill any cancerous cells in the body. Studies suggest that women who drink too much alcohol are at high risk of getting estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.

    Immunotherapy treatment
    This is a type of therapy that works with the immune system to fight cancer cells. A healthy immune system can fight off the infections and diseases in the body, which are major health risks. As part of biological therapy, this kind of treatment takes substances from already living things to treat cancer in the patient. One such method is T-cell transfer therapy. This method uses healthy T-cells to fight off the cancer cells naturally. The cells from the tumor are taken out to the lab, modified to be stronger, and then transferred back into the body to attack the cancer cells. A healthy diet is one of the essentials of living an illness-free lifestyle, including lowering your risk of cancer. Understanding nutrition is essential if you are either managing this illness or trying to avoid it. Speak to a doctor in detail to know why these following foods should be avoided to reduce cancer risk. If you are managing your symptoms, you can also read about immunotherapy that may be helpful for your recovery.

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  • Top 5 online payment solutions

    When it comes to sending and receiving money online, one can hardly think of any other solution except PayPal. This company has set such a quality standard that it has become a de facto online payment solution. Online customers, business owners, and freelancers regularly use online payment solutions for easy trading transactions. While PayPal stands at the pinnacle of online payment solutions, there are other services which are catching up by delivering some really good service. They offer cheaper services and faster transactions with enhanced security. Some of the best online payment solutions are given below:

    • Due
      Innovative time tracking and invoicing tools made Due one of the most popular online payment management software. With just 2.7% of the transaction, Due offers secure online payment. Global payment done via Due reflects in two working days. Due even offers digital wallet to receive and send money for a minimal service charge. Due even has an e-bank option letting the users store money.
    • Stripe
      Power and stable API is what every Stripe user has to say about the online payment management software.  Stripe caters to everyone’s need, be it a subscription based company or an on-demand market. The ability to integrate with a number of applications allows the user to easily get running as soon as possible. Stripe doesn’t have a setup, monthly or hidden fee which again makes it a favorite.
    • Dwolla
      Dwolla follows a PayPal similar feature list with an API which focuses more on bank transfers. Their ACH (Automated Clearing House) payments help the user in creating customized payment solutions where the payments are received within a day. The highlight of Dwolla is that it doesn’t charge any transaction fees.
    • Apple Pay
      A must for merchants where the transactions are faster and secure, thanks to Apple’s touch ID confirmation. Apple Pay allows the customer to pay using their fingerprints. Relatively new in the field, it won’t be a surprise if Apple adopts the service for older devices. It was confirmed that Apple is also working on a peer to peer payment service through iMessage.
    • Payoneer
      This is one of the oldest when it comes to online payment management software. Payoneer supports more than 200 countries and recognizes more than 150 currencies. Receiving a payment via Payoneer is free of cost and the flexible API helps the user to grow with the business. Payoneer also offers a plastic Master card like PayPal if one doesn’t wish to go 100% digital.
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  • Ingredients used in recipes for the lactose intolerant

    Lactose intolerance is a essentially a deficiency of lactase, an intestinal enzyme that breaks down lactose into sugar and glucose which makes it easier for the body to absorb the enzyme further into intestines. Although genetically determined, lactose intolerance generally occurs between the ages 5 to 21. Simply put, a person who is lactose intolerant cannot process dairy products at all. Milk being the source of dairy products has lactose in abundance.

    A person consuming foods that are basically made of dairy products (milk, buttermilk, butter, cream, cheese etc.) may experience abdominal pains, nausea, flatulence and diarrhea due to indigestion of lactose. Lactose intolerant people are suggested to avoid food products such as breads, baked goods, margarine, salad dressings and lunch meats. Lactose intolerance can be an upsetting event if it occurs after you have learned to relish the recipes that are made out of these above-mentioned food products.

    People that are lactose intolerant can still enjoy other food products which are a perfect substitute in taste for dairy products. For starters, you may take up food with ingredients that are rich in; Lactase, Lactalbumin, Lactylate, and Calcium compounds. You can indulge in your cravings of having a pizza which is made out of ingredients that are lactose-free. Use a rye bread or an Italian bread as the pizza base and have the choice of your fresh vegetable toppings (see to it that they are not creamed or added with margarine). Add plain or kosher prepared meat. The most important topping that makes pizza the awesome delicacy it is, cheese. You can have cheese that is aged, as aged cheese has less amount of lactose. Also, cheese made out of whey has less lactose as compared to its counterparts. Remember, even though these methods may claim to minimal or no lactose, it is advisable that you have it in very small quantities. Quantities that does not hamper your digestion.

    Fancy a cheesecake but cannot eat it because you are lactose intolerant? Well, you get cheesecakes specially made for the lactose intolerant. The lactose-free ingredients that can be used to make the filling of the cheesecake may include, soy cream cheese, non-dairy sour cream. The crust can be made of gram cracker crumbs and margarine (with granulated sugar) which can act as good replacement of your regular butter and bread crumbs.

    There are many websites online that can help you find many lactose free recipes and also suggest replaceable ingredients which can be used to make a lactose free versions of those delicacies.

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