Page 22 - Advanced Technology for Energy and Water Saving

TECHNOLOGY TO THE RESCUE

More e‘cient and affordable than ever, new technology reaches into every

system behind the walls of the modern home. Here’s what you need to know:

HOT WATER: INNOVATION ABOUNDS

This category has seen rapid expansion of high-efficiency alternatives.
While the most efficient of all may be hot water solar systems, these perform
differently depending on the climate. Innovative mechanical systems include:

ON-DEMAND HOT WATER HYBRID HEAT PUMP HOT WATER HEATERS
Super efficient, they Like their cousins, mini-split heat pumps for room
typically run on natural conditioning, heat pump water heaters “extract” heat
gas. One unsung area from nearby air efficiently and apply it where it’s
of efficiency with cer- wanted. This technology is truly game-changing, in
tain brands has been the part because utilities have embraced it, and in some
downsizing of the watt- cases offered huge rebates on the equipment. Because
age consumed by water these devices save up to $475 a year in electric costs,
pumps. Veissman, for their payback period can be as little as one year, once
example, claims that a $750 rebate is factored
its newer boilers move in to the purchase cost.
water with only about a An important and
tenth of the electricity unsung technical detail
found in older pumps. about these units, how-
ever, is that they extract
INDIRECT POINT SOURCE ELECTRIC HOT WATER heat from whatever
Many companies now offer small “point of use” hot room they’re placed in.
water tanks. Ranging in size from two gallons to about They also reduce hu-
10 gallons, they tend midity in that space.
to be well insulated, This makes them an
and many models ideal system for a damp
run on standard 110- basement, because they
volt power. Generally do “double duty” as a de-
better insulated than humidifier, while heat-
their predecessors, ing water. This can be
these small tanks stay problematic in the winter in northern climates, how-
hot with less power ever: If the cellar space is not conditioned, or partially
usage. Combine them conditioned, they could drop temperatures to the point
with ultra-low flow where plumbing could freeze. Fortunately, newer mod-
showerheads and sink els allow you to switch between heat pump operation
aerators, and they can dramatically reduce domestic and conventional electric element, so you can avoid
hot water costs. this problem.

22ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FOR ENERGY AND WATER CONSERVATION