Energy Efficiency MeasuresHOT WATERLow flow shower heads and faucet aerators can save very substantial amounts of both water and energy. In order to ensure acceptance by users and long life, high-quality devices should be selected. Shower heads featuring user selectable spray patterns usually satisfy most users and can save two to three gallons of water per minute of shower. Under moderate to heavy use, paybacks for installing low-flow devices are frequently only a month or two.
In high water-using facilities like hotels, motels, and laundries, installing gray water heat recovery equipment can save 60 percent or more of the water-heating energy. Systems serving fixtures on upper floors need no pumps and little or no maintenance. For below-grade applications, systems with demand-operated pumps are available. Where there is less simultaneous hot water drain and supply flow (as in laundries), gray water heat-recovery systems with heat storage can be installed. Heat storage systems require more space, as well as regular inspection and cleaning, but they can be very cost-effective. Gray water heat-recovery systems like the one pictured capture thermal energy from drainwater and use it to preheat water going to fixtures. Depending on the end use and the installation, heat recovery efficiencies of up to 82 percent can be achieved. Indoor swimming pools (natatoriums) routinely require simultaneous heating of water and dehumidification of the surrounding air. Heat pump water heaters can be a cost-effective solution for efficiently serving both of these needs: they heat water and simultaneously produce cool air, which can be used to decrease the natatorium’s air temperature and humidity. |
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