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Getting hot water in my house is not an easy task. Despite the fact that I live in a newer home, I still find myself standing in front of my sink everyday, waiting for the water to get hot. True, the task of standing there waiting probably isn’t as difficult in getting hot water as the pioneers had it boiling their own. But in this day and time, it shouldn’t be a waiting game either. And with technology the way it is now, it doesn’t have to be.
An amazing 25% of our electricity bill can be attributed to getting hot water.
After measuring with an empty gallon jug, we realized we were losing at least two gallons of water every time we requested hot water from our faucet. That is entirely too much water wasted everyday for one household. So we have begun a search for more efficiency when it comes to this problem.
And until then, we have started using these empty jugs to fill as we wait, and then our potted plants get a drink.
Solar Hot Water
Solar hot water just makes sense. What better way to warm up water than with the sun? This system actually uses solar panels to warm up our water in a tank. It is known as a solar powered water heater. It does cost a pretty penny. The tank costs about $5,000 and the installation is about $2000. But with tax incentives for having these installed and the overall savings on your utility bill, you see the money come back fairly quickly.
This is an especially good idea for homeowners that are in their “forever” home, because they will be sure to see the profits of the initial investment in their water heating.
Cheaper Alternative
A nifty little gadget that can be found at your local hardware store is a hot water recirculation pump. This provides water immediately with no wait. It works by installing it under the sink that is furthest away from you water heater. They do not require any extra plumbing and works on as little as 33 watts of power.
The pump works by monitoring the water temperature. When the temperature drops below a certain point, the pump turns on and sends cold water back to the pump to be warmed and basically gets water warmed up and ready for use. This prevents cold water to just be poured down the drain while you wait for your warm water. Instead, your warm water waits for you.
The cost of this option is under $250 and they are easy to install. And the warm water goes to all points of your house, including the shower. No more waiting!
These are two really great options for saving electricity, water, time, and money. Homeowners just can’t lose.
