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The Wirsbo D'Mand system recirculates hot water constantly to help prevent the loss of water while the consumer is waiting for it to reach the faucet.
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By Dan McLeister
Water conservation is important for the environment, as well as for the pocketbook of homeowners. New water-saving products and technologies can also provide a builder or remodeler with a strong competitive edge, as well as a way to project an environmentally responsible corporate image to the local community.
In Part 1 of this two-part article, we discussed the technology behind different kinds of high-performance, water-efficient toilets. But saving water extends to other points of use in the home, too. That's the topic for this second part:
Advanced water heaters and more
Homeowners can, of course, also save water by installing new, higher efficiency water heaters or tankless water heaters. The latter produce hot water only when needed, rather than maintaining high water temperature in a storage tank. Solar water heaters, with roof-mounted solar energy collectors, would be another option.
A more recent device is a system that reduces the amount of water that goes down the drain while people are waiting for the water to heat up--estimated to be as much as 12,000 gallons a year in a household with four faucets. The D’MAND® Hot Water Delivery System from Uponor Wirsbo, Inc. provides hot water quickly, resulting in energy and water savings.
The system uses a pump, zone valve and plumbing layout that incorporates a loop of tubing to circulate the ambient-temperature water in the hot water pipes when a faucet is opened (water normally lost down the drain) back to the water heater. The water moves rapidly, so hot water arrives at the fixture four to five times more quickly than with conventional systems. Because the system can use a dedicated return line or the existing cold water line as a return line, it is easy to retrofit existing homes.
Showers account for about 20 percent of total indoor water use. By replacing a standard 4.5-gallons-per-minute showerhead with a 2.5-gallons-per-minute head, which costs only about $5, a family of four can save approximately 20,000 gallons of water per year. Faucet aerators, which break the flowing water into fine droplets while maintaining wetting effectiveness, can reduce water use at a faucet by as much as 60 percent.
Electronic or battery-powered sensor controls for bathroom faucets, though generally used in commercial installation, can also reduce water waste in the home. Newer dishwashers include water efficient cycles for light loads and the latest, high-efficiency clothes washers use an average of 30 percent less water.
Being an environmentally friendly, water-wise builder or remodeler can help preserve the nation’s dwindling water resources--and it can lead to greatly increased customer satisfaction.
To read Part 1 of this series, click here.
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