Go Green - Tankless Water Heater

By now you've probably heard of the popular tankless water heater (TWH). If not, you may have an interest if going green is an important issue to you. The tankless hot water heater is an efficient alternative to the conventional energy wasting tank type hot water heaters. Let's take a look.

Traditional tank type hot water heaters were designed in a time when energy savings was not a big issue. This is obvious when compared to tankless water heaters. Tank type hot water heaters constantly have to heat and store hot water. This is not a very efficient way to address your hot water needs. But, it is the most widely used form of heating water in America today. The main inefficiency with these types is the constant heating and reheating of hot water when we don't really need it. When were in bed at night, when were away on vacation, or even when were at work during the day our tank type hot water heater is burning energy. This constant energy usage is borderline frivolous. Now, if you have a tankless hot water heater you don't have to worry about this, as they only heat water when we need it.

Tankless hot water heaters do not have to rely on a hot water storage tank. They heat water as it passes through the heater unit. This puts you in a big advantage when compared to traditional ways of heating and storing hot water. It should be noted, however, that there are a few drawbacks at this point in time. Tankless hot water heaters are considerably more expensive than their traditional counterparts. Many will cost double of what a tank water heat would cost. When you look at the efficiency advantage, however, it's really worth the extra cost. If you're in the process of designing a new home, installing the TWH is really a no-brainer. Being that your main costs are just the unit purchase price, the savings to your energy bill will more than make up for this over time. The main cost consideration that we see is that of installation. This is especially true when it comes to replacing a traditional unit. The construction costs associated with replacement can be considerable, so you'll need to consider these when weighing the pros and cons of going with a tankless water heater.

Now, when you go to purchase a TWH you'll find that there are two common choices. The two common types of of these are either electric or gas tankless water heaters. If you're going for a entire house unit the gas tankless water heater is a common choice. Most of the electric units available today just don't have enough power to supply hot water to an entire house. Gas tankless water heaters, on the other hand, have sufficient flow rates, which allow for simultaneous hot water usage. The drawback that comes from utilizing a gas set up, is the cost associated with installation. Installation should be handled by a qualified professional and unless you're highly skilled at construction this project is probably most suitable for an experienced contractor. The reason being is that there are often complications. Setting up a gas unit typically involves the running of gas lines, special combustion requirements, and in the running of exhaust.

Electric units are much more economical to install, because they don't have the complications like their gas brethren. Worst case install scenario is usually the running of additional power or power box changes. Electric units are great when utilized at a point of use hot water location. They can be set up in bathrooms, and kitchens or remote locations. And because they're right at the hot water source, they can be very efficient. The technology of electric units is quickly improving, and it won't be long before they have sufficient electric units for whole house applications.

If you'd like more information on how the new tankless water heater works you can visit the site for a more details. For more on the gas tankless water heaters you can find more specifics on that as well.

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Why You Should Buy A Tankless Water Heater Hawaii Maui

Every American household spends 25% of each energy dollar producing domestic hot water. Nationwide more residential energy is consumed by domestic hot water than on anything but heating and air conditioning.

You could save up to 60% on your monthly water heating costs by installing a tankless water heater in your home. A tankless water heater is a demand-type unit. This means that it operates ONLY when hot water is drawn in your home. The opposite is true of conventional tank-type heaters. In a conventional heater, water is stored in its tank and kept heated continuously, whether you are asleep, at work or away on a vacation. This is a surprising realization to many homeowners, but it is a fact.

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Tankless water heaters, also called combination, instantaneous, continuous flow, inline, flash, on-demand or instant-on water heaters, are gaining in popularity. The chief advantages of tankless water heaters are a continuous flow of hot water and the saving of energy, thereby reducing your monthly energy bill. These water heaters heat the water as the water flows through the device. They do not retain any water internally except for what is in the heat exchanger coil.

There are tankless water heater systems that work at the point of use, such as under your kitchen or bathroom sink. Also, there are larger units that serve multiple plumbing fixtures, even your entire house. A tankless water heater can also be used as a booster for dishwashers, washing machines, and as a backup for solar or wood-fired domestic systems.

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Although gas-fired demand water heaters tend to have higher flow rates than electric ones, they can waste energy if they have a constantly burning pilot light. This can offset some of the energy savings. Moreover, much of the heat produced by the pilot light of a tank-type model heats the water in the tank, a savings that is just lost with the instantaneous units.

If you purchase a model that uses a standing pilot light, you can always turn it off when it's not in use to save energy. Alternatively, you can purchase a model with an intermittent ignition device. This resembles the spark ignition device on some gas kitchen ranges and ovens. You should check with the manufacturer for models that have this feature.

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Tankless water heaters are more efficient than tank water heaters, but reviews say they take some getting used to. If you want to switch to a more efficient tankless water heater, be aware that you'll need some time to adjust, since water delivery is different than with a tank water heater. Since tankless systems don't start heating water until you turn on the tap, there is a delay of about 3/4 gallon before the water runs hot.

Flow rate of hot water from a tankless system is greatly affected by the temperature of your groundwater. The warmer your groundwater, the better the flow rate. Homes in colder climates will need a larger system to get an adequate hot-water flow rate. The average groundwater temperature in the U.S. is about 50° Fahrenheit. Most people like shower temperatures of between 105° and 120°, so your groundwater temperature would need to be raised by 60° to 75°.

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You can check online for reviews of tankless water heater systems, and then decide if it is the right fit for you and your lifestyle.

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How Does A Tankless Water Heater Save Money And The Environment? Maui Hawaii

Imagine having and endless supply of hot showers while at the same time saving money and helping the environment. Sound impossible? Not when you consider the fact that the amount of energy wasted in North America each year to simply keep a tank of hot water permanently on standby and ready for our use (even while we sleep)is enough energy to power a small third world nation. Why are we spending our hard-earned dollars to consume fossil fuels in our sleep to heat a tank of hot water that we will never use?

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Tankless water heaters only consume energy when you use hot water and instantly heat your water when you turn on the tap. Tankless water heater technology has been a proven solution for over 25 years in Europe and Japan and is just now exploding in demand across North America as homeowners wake up to the benefits of tankless hot water heaters. Let's review some of their benefits:

ENDLESS HOT WATER SUPPLY

No more cold showers! As long as you've selected the correct flow rate model for your home you no longer need to worry about running out of hot water in the shower - even if your teenagers are showering in the other bathroom while your dishwasher and washing machine are on.

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SAVE ON HEATING COSTS

The reduced energy consumption of tankless water heaters compared to tank-style water heaters will translate into savings and money in your wallet. The amount you save will vary from household to household and will depend on your water usage patterns and climate. The average homeowner will usually see savings of 15% - 25%, while households that have smaller hot water demands may see savings of up to 48%.

GET PAID TO SWITCH

Under the Energy Tax Incentives Act you can qualify for a $300 Federal rebate by switching your hot water tank to a tankless water heater unit. Act now before these incentives expire!

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REDUCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION

A tankless water heater only consumes energy when you are using hot water. It instantly heats the hot water supply to the required temperature "on demand" and does not waste energy maintaining a large tank of hot water 24 hours a day.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLIER

Switching to a tankless water heater will help the environment in 3 ways. Going tankless will reduce the amount of fossil fuels you consume to heat your household water. Secondly, as tankless heaters are typically smaller units than traditional hot water tanks, they require less metal and help reduce the global demand for mining and metal consumption. Thirdly, tankless heaters last 2 - 3 times longer than traditional hot water tanks and will further reduce the demand for metal inputs and lower landfill waste levels.

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SPACE SAVING

As an added bonus you will gain storage space in your house due to the simple fact that tankless water heaters are much smaller in size that traditional hot water heaters and can be installed more conveniently in a wide range of locations.

There is a lot to be gained by switching from tank to tankless water heaters, and demand is growing. Why not learn more about tankless heaters and see if they are right for your home. If you act soon, you can still get in on the rebate and get the government to pay you to switch!

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Money Saving Plumbing Tips Maui Hawaii

The plumbing system in your home should undergo routine checks and maintenance. Whether you are a home owner or live in an apartment, plumbing repairs are a regular part of your home life. There are several ways to prevent plumbing repair problems by taking care of your plumbing and inspecting it to prevent further damage before you call a plumbing specialist.

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* Take a look around the base of the toilet for any signs of leaks. This involves stains or water damage.
* To see if you have a "soft floor", stand and straddle over the toilet while rocking back and forth on each foot to check for any spongy feeling in the floor. If so, it is probably rotting or is weakened.
* To check for leaky or loose tiles, press on the walls where they come in contact with the bathtub. If the walls are soft, there may be water damage below your tiles.
* Turn on the water in the bathtub and the kitchen sink. If there is a significant reduction in water volume, this may mean that the piping in the house may need to be replaced due to calcium and mineral deposits.
* If the home has a basement, check exposed piping for signs of leaking.
* Check the date of your water heater to see if it needs to be replaced. The first four numbers of the serial number on the water heater are the month and year. Any heater over 15 years old may need to be replaced.
* A rusty water tank is a sign of pending problems.
* Check the inside of the cabinets for water damage, preferable with a flashlight.
* Check your garbage disposer and dishwasher and make sure that the connections are tight and leak free.
* Check your washing machine hoses for rupture. Turn the valves on and off to test for leaks.
* Check the manufacturer's site for further information and tips on the appliance in your home.
* Inspect the yard for areas that are too wet with unusual plant or grass growth to check for standing water. Excess water in a yard may be coming from a damaged sewer line and contain waste from the home.

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Keep these plumbing repair tips in mind as taking preemptive action against plumbing repair problems will save you money in the long run. Even if you don't know much about plumbing repair, you can prevent further damage before you call a plumber and maintain the plumbing of your home. If you can't find what you're looking for, you can get in touch with a plumbing specialist who can assist you with your further plumbing problems.

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Easy Green Plumbing Tips Maui Hawaii

If you, like most people, are trying to add a green element to your home there are a number of ways your plumber can help.

As is the case with a great many green home improvements, many of these plumbing tweaks will save you money and help keep your family healthier as well.

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Here are just a few green plumbing jobs worth thinking about.

Install an On Demand Heating Pump

These pumps send water to your shower or sink in a matter of seconds and can save you money in two different ways. You will no longer have to run the water unnecessarily waiting for it to heat up, thus cutting down your water consumption which saves money and reduces waste. In addition you will not be wasting energy as hot water unnecessarily sits unused in the pipes.

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Have Chlorine Filters Installed on Your Showerheads

Chlorine sensitivity is a big problem for many people. Chlorine is absorbed six times faster through the skin than it is by drinking it in water. Having chlorine filters installed will result in a healthier shower for everyone.

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Have a Whole House Purification System Installed

Want to go one better than a tap filter and a special shower head? Then talk to a plumber about having a whole house filtration system installed.

These clever things remove all the nasty chemicals and assorted debris in the water throughout your home. Tap water will become drinkable again and even your hot water heaters and plumbing fixtures will benefit if you live in an area with high sediment water.

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Install a Home Leak Monitor

Sometimes a leak can go unnoticed for months before it really causes a problem. But it is still wasting water every day. A home leak monitor will alert you as soon as it senses a problem so you can call a plumber right away before the leak causes serious and potentially expensive damage.

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Technological Innovations That Make Plumbing Work Better Maui Hawaii

The Internet as we know it has been around for less than thirty years and is in a constant state of innovation; as a result we tend to overrate its importance. The plumbing system in our houses has several thousand years of history behind it, and innovation in building materials and fixtures has come very slowly. But guess which system would be easier to live without?

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When talking about plumbing materials, the subject of pipes is always foremost. A means of transporting the water from its source to the faucet was one of the first advancements of civilization. There is evidence of such a system in the Middle-East 5000 years ago. Stone was probably the first piping material. Metal piping came along considerably later. The Romans were among the first to use it. But metals like iron and steel are difficult to work with and can rust and corrode, causing health problems. Therefore, when plastic piping was first invented in Germany in the mid-19th Century it seemed providential. But plastic piping had its problems also; for one thing it was a technological leap that not every nation could follow; for another, the makers of metal piping could see it lessening the demand for their product and fought its use. It was not until the 1920's and 30's that it was used in any great amount in Germany. Even after the war that piping is still in use.

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Plastic piping got off to a slow start in the US. It wasn't until the late 1940's that it made its way into US homes and businesses. It was in the Fifties and Sixties that Plastic piping caught on; it is quieter (no knocking), easier to work with and a good deal more flexible (expands more in the cold).

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Today's innovative plastic piping called PEX (crosslinked polyethylene) is a further improvement over the original plastic piping, PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride). Like the original it is much more resistant to chlorine, scaling and corrosion than metal pipe or anything that came before it. In addition, PEX can actually be twisted into shapes allowing for fewer trips to the hardware store for additional joints.

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Another innovation in plumbing materials is a great improvement in the substances that hold the individual lengths of pipe together. This process has long been difficult, as water seemingly can find its way through or around almost anything. The Romans, the original master-plumbers, solved this by covering joints with lead. The word "plumbing," in fact, derives from the Latin word "plumbus," which means lead. Another method was welding or soldering. Fortunately there are better ways to connect pipes today than slopping liquefied lead on the joints: quick drying epoxy. This wonder substance does not require tape to hold it, is essentially waterproof, and dries in seconds.

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Those master-plumbers the Romans did not have digital computers, of course, but they did support an astonishing variety of baths, fountains, water-heaters and flush toilets. Yes, that's right, flush toilets! Something that disappeared from Europe at the end of the Roman Empire and was not seen again in the West until the 16th Century. The idea certainly is not new, but the flushing methods have improved. Where once the flush depended on water falling from a vessel located far above the toilet, now toilets have highly engineered flushing processes that depend on the shape of the watercourse or the pressure in the mains rather than the height of the toilet mounting. Fixture innovations like these are driven by a need for conserving water. Once where the toilet in the American home used at least seven gallons per flush (GPF), today the government mandates a level of no more than 1.6 GPF. Some do it with as little as.125 GPF.

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Another fixture innovation, the tank-less water heater, may not save water but it certainly saves energy by producing the hot water on demand rather than keeping it simmering in a bowl as has been the method since Roman Times and before. Solar hot water heating is another innovation that saves energy.

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The plumbing system in the modern home has a very ancient lineage and its importance can not be overstated. The Internet may show more day-to-day innovation, but plumbing can also show a number of relatively recent advances.

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The plumbing system in the modern home has a very ancient lineage and its importance can not be overstated. Commercial plumbing has shown a number of relatively recent advances. From 1978 until 1995 polybutylene was installed in millions of commercial buildings. Polybutylene is no longer used in plumbing today.

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