Energy Efficient Plumbing
What is the WaterSense®?
WaterSense® is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program designed to encourage water efficiency in the United States through the use of a special label on consumer products.
WaterSense® labelled plumbing fixtures are independently certified to meet rigorous criteria for both high-performance and water efficiency.
Why Is WaterSense® Important?
WaterSense® labeled lavatory/shower faucets and toilets that have been independently tested for water efficiency and performance.
- EPA’s WaterSense® certified fixtures help conserve water and save money
without sacrificing product performance. - WaterSense® certified toilets on average use 20-35% less water per flush. This equates to water saving of approximately 15,000 litres of water a year, per person.
Demand Hot Water Recirculating System
The on-demand hot water recirculation systems provide hot water at command at the same time it saves water, energy and money.
- A small silent pump is installed to the hot and cold water lines inside the master-ensuite vanity cabinet.
- When activated, the cool water that normally runs down the drain is recirculated
back to the water heater through the cold water line. - The pump circulates the hot water from the water heater and returns the cooled water
back through the cold water line. - When the hot water arrives at the fixture, the pump’s heat sensor and control board
shut off the pump to prevent pumping excess hot water into the cold water line.
Energy Efficient Hot Water Tank
Energy efficient water heater quickly heats water directly and distributes on-demand providing endless hot water without the need of a storage tank.
Storage Tank
Storage tank water heaters are the most common type in the market. Units have an insulated tank where water is heated and stored until it’s needed.
It is not as energy efficient as tankless water heaters as they need to continuously heat the large storage tank of water to ensure that water is available when needed.
- Economical, generally cost less retail than alternatives
- Storage options include closet, basement or garage
2.5-80 gallon capacity range - Efficiency variation between models, brands and fuel sources
Tankless
Energy efficient water heater quickly heats water directly and distributes on-demand providing endless hot water without the need of a storage tank.
Tankless water heaters don’t store hot water; they heat water as it passes through a series of coils within the unit.
It is typically more energy-efficient than a traditional storage tank water heater as it only heats water when it is needed.
- Compact in size
- Larger up-front investment
- Hangs on wall to free up floor space
- Reduces energy consumption
by as much as 30%
Electric
- Uses one or two heating elements to heat water.
- Less expensive than other types.
- Variety of high efficiency options available.
- Size range: 2.5 gal. to 70+ gal.
Gas
- Uses a burner to heat water.
- Needs circulating air around it.
- Do not store combustible materials close by.
- More expensive than electric water heaters.
- More energy efficient than electric water heaters.
- Size range: 30 gal. to 70+ gal.
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