Energy Efficiency

When it comes to energy saving, much can be done around the home. Obviously if you are starting out with a clean slate, it is easier to reduce energy use by choosing energy efficient products and appliances, as well as designing the home to work as naturally as possible (come to us for that, we can help). If your home is already built, or you’re buying an existing house, there is no need to worry. There are still things you can do to reduce your energy intake! One of the most talked-about things you can do is to not only turn off, but also unplug appliances when they are not in use. The “ghost load” or draw that still occurs from the appliances amounts to around 10% of your energy bill.

Something that is not as widely spoken of, however, is maintaining your dryer. We all know that as a kid learning how to do laundry, our moms told us to “always clean the lint trap”. Some of us loved seeing the lint pulled from clothes, and others didn’t want to have anything to do with it. One thing’s for sure though: mom probably didn’t explain WHY you were supposed to clean that out. Not only does it help keep future clothes lint-free, but it also helps your dryer do the best job it can. A clogged lint trap reduces the efficiency of the dryer, and can also start a fire (yes, it has happened). So next time you go to do a load of laundry, give your dryer some love and keep it clean.

Tankless water heaters use more energy during the time in which they’re on, meaning that for the time in which they’re running, they’re costing more money.  The upside is that they’re running much less frequently, as in: only when you need it instead of all the time.

The tankless heaters cost more for purchase and installation than tank heaters, but their lifespan is double and efficiency higher.  This means that, while there is a higher initial cost, the homeowner is saving money every month with their new tankless heater over the lifespan of the tankless heater (avg 20 yrs).

There are currently tax rebates for the purchase and installation of tankless water heaters with an energy factor (EF) of .82 or higher in a primary home.  What was once a $300 rebate on the stimulus plan, is now 30% of purchase and installation cost up to $1,500.  The new tankless heater must be installed by December 2010.

Maine also has tax rebates for the purchase and installation of a tankless water heater.  Improvements to the home’s energy efficiency by 25% will result in a rebate of 30% up to $1,500.  Improvements of 50% energy efficiency will cover 50% of the product and installation cost up to $3,000.  The funds will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis to those who meet the requirements.

New Hampshire has similar rebate programs.  Their requirements are similar, so homeowners should check to see if they can apply.

In the world of sustainable home design, energy efficiency becomes a primary player.  Heating water for household usage averages as the third largest energy use.  It would have a larger chunk of the pie if running dishwashers and washing machines were included in its energy usage, because they account for 40% of hot water usage in a home.  Standard non-electric water heaters are about 60% efficient, meaning that of all of the energy being made and used to heat the water, only 60% of it is actually successful.  This is due to dissipation/standby loss or outdated machinery that requires more energy to run than is created through the heating process.  Electric water heaters are a bit more efficient primarily because of the newer technology used in the heating sources.

Another, more sustainable option for water heating needs, is a tankless water heater.  More common in Europe and Australia, they are beginning to see a rise in popularity in the US due to their lifespan (average of 20yrs vs 10yrs with a tank) and efficiency.  Also known as “immediate” or “on demand” water heaters, the tankless heaters only begin using energy to heat water when a hot water tap in the home is switched on, instead of continuously heating water in a tank for later use.  For homes that use 41 gallons or less of water per day, this when-needed system can account for a 24-34% savings in energy usage.  In larger homes that use 86+ gallons of water per day, it accounts for an 8-14% increase in efficiency.  If a point-source tankless heater is installed, it can increase the efficiency by 27-50%.  Point-source means that a system sized by need is installed at each major hot water area: washer, each bathroom, kitchen, etc.

Things to consider when purchasing/using a tankless water heater:

• While it is considered “on demand”, there will still be a period of time where the water may not be at the desired temperature.  This is because the water in the line between the faucet and the heater has cooled since the last use.  When the hot water tap on a faucet is opened, it triggers the heater to begin its job, thereby heating the water that comes through the line, but not water that is already past the heater.  Most homeowners who use tanked water heaters are used to this wait time, and actually wait longer than will be required for a tankless water heater because they have to wait for all of the water in the tank to ramp up to the correct heat, instead of just waiting for the water in the line to pass.  This is also where a point-source unit shows its efficiency because you aren’t wasting energy and water waiting for the line to clear of water that isn’t currently heated.
• You can’t run out of hot water.  There is no tank.  this doesn’t mean you can take a looonnnngggg shower.
• Gas/propane tankless heaters are said to work better for bigger homes than electric tankless heaters.  It is also typical for gas energy prices to be lower to the equivalent electrical energy price (this can vary based on location, however).  (if the elec goes out does a gas heater stop working too?)  Having said that, it is important to study the specific product you are looking at installing because you may have a gas tankless heater that only works when you ask, but a pilot light may always be running – wasting energy.  Some products come with an intermittent ignition device, similar to how the spark on a gas stove lights the burner, removing the energy wasted on a continuous pilot light.  Electric versions are cheaper to purchase and install, as well as safer in the home (no fuel leaks or explosions to worry about).  They also lose less standby heat compared to gas tankless, which loses a bit because of vent openings.  Electric tankless heaters, however, will leave you without hot water during power outages.  The same can be said, though, for gas tankless heaters if the pilot is electricity-based.
• Consider the flow rate and temperature rise of the specific product.  Climate becomes a factor in this consideration because the temperature rise is from the ambient water temp entering the heater, ie: northern state homeowners need a product with a bigger temperature rise to get them through the winter.  The DOE has a Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy section (EERE) that provides calculators and information for sizing.
• If you choose either electric or gas, you need to make sure that they fit the current specs of your home or upgrades might be required.  For electric this means voltage, amperage, and circuit breakers.  For gas this means natural vs propane, line size, and venting needs.
• You should perform, or pay someone to perform, periodic maintenance on the heater to remove calcium buildup to maintain the quality of the product and ensure a long lifespan.  They should also be heating soft water to help prevent excessive buildup (typically if hardness is above 11grains/gallon).

Overall, tankless water heaters are more efficient than the tank you more than likely have sitting in your home.  Some companies are even stepping up the “green” factor of the new tankless heaters by ensuring that, in addition to lifespan and efficiency, parts are easily replaced so that the entire system is not worthless if something were to break.  They are also making the products themselves easier to recycle, compared to most tanked water heaters that unfortunately end up after end of life or malfunctions in landfills – though some place are starting to allow recycling.