Cooperative Living June 2014 - 12

ENERGY BANG FOR YOUR BUCK by Randy Grubba, Contributing Writer
Don't Get Drained By YourWater
W
ater can be an easy thing to take for
granted. With the twist of a handle, it
flows freely at your command. It's a
wonderful thing. But, it's almost too convenient.
The average family spends $1,100 every year
for home water use. Not to mention around
another $500 every year for water heating,
which accounts for 20 to 25 percent of home
energy use.
As you can see, it takes a considerable
amount of energy to deliver and treat the water
you use every day. For example, letting a hot
faucet run for five minutes uses around as much
energy as a 60-watt light bulb does over 22
hours of use. Thus, practicing good water
efficiency is important.
Using water wisely can cut down on your
water bill and electric bill alike. When we use
water more efficiently, we reduce the need for
costly water-treatment investments and delivery
systems. And minimizing water waste has a
positive impact on the environment in the form
of more water in the lakes, rivers and streams -
fresh water we use for recreation and wildlife
needs to survive. In the end, every living thing is
all a part of the same ecosystem.
Homeowners, renters, children - everybody
can make a big difference with simple steps.
Some may be obvious, others probably not so
much. For starters, be sure to stop the water
flow while shaving, brushing your teeth and
even washing your face. If they're not too long,
showers are more water-efficient than baths.
Discarding tissues in the trash instead of flushing
them down the toilet is another easy watersaver,
as is washing only full loads of laundry
and dishes. Demonstrating these practices to
your children will get them in the habit of water
efficiency early on, so show them the ropes.
Leaks are cracks in your financial bucket, so
be sure to address any faucet leaks you may
have in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms,
etc. Leaky pipes are less obvious, so take a
good look at your pipes as well.
For homeowners with lawns, a huge chunk
of water use takes place outdoors. There are
many ways you can help your yard and gardens
drink responsibly. For instance, if you
water your lawn at night or in the early morning,
you'll keep evaporation to a minimum. Less
CURRENTS by Randy Grubba, Contributing Writer
Heat Pump Water Heaters: An Overview
W
hile flying cars and robotic housekeepers
haven't quite yet hit the market, the future
is here - at least in the form of home
water heating. Yes, the next generation of water
heaters has arrived. They're heat-pump water
heaters (HPWHs) and they use up to 50 percent
less energy, which can create an annual energy
savings of $250 or more when compared to conventional
electric water heaters.
THE ABCSOF A HPWH
Their ultra-efficiency is possible thanks to advanced
technology that allows them to harness the
warmth from ambient air and use it to heat the
water stored within their tanks, effectively using electricity
to transfer heat, not generate it. Think of it like
a refrigerator, only in reverse. A refrigerator pulls the
warmth out of its food-storage area to achieve cool
temperatures while a HPWH pulls warmth out of
the air and applies it to stored water.
In the event the surrounding air becomes too
cold or if you need extra hot water, built-in electricresistance
elements (similar to those in ovens) automatically
contribute to heating the water so you're
never left in the cold.
10
OTHER BENEFITS
As they work their magic, they give off cool, dry,
exhaust air, which can assist in home cooling and
dehumidification. Or, you may choose to direct this
air outdoors through ductwork. Their professionalgrade
insulation minimizes heat loss while your hot
water is stored inside the tank, nice and hot and
ready when you are.
Impressed yet? Here's more: HPWHs are the
first electric water heaters to earn the ENERGY
STAR®
rating. Plus, they're completely water-electric
separated and operate free of an open flame, combustible
elements or toxic gases. This makes them a
safer option than gas-fired water heaters and standard
electric water heaters.
A WORTHY INVESTMENT
Although a certified HPWH costs more upfront,
the energy savings pay back the difference in
around three years for an average home. And
since old water heaters can break down without
warning, planning for their replacement should be
a proactive measure. One very important thing to
consider - these units need at least 1,000 cubic
feet of airflow around them.
THEY DO A WORLD
OF GOOD
If everyone purchasing an
electric water heater this year
chose an ENERGY STAR-certified
HPWH instead of a standard
model, we would avoid
19.6 billion pounds of carbon
dioxide emissions - the equivalent
of taking 1.6 million cars
off the road. So consider upgrading
to an HPWH and
enjoy all the hot water you're
used to while consuming half
the amount of electricity. Qualified
professionals can get your
water heater hooked up
quickly and accurately, and
your home won't be turned upside
down during the process.
For information on dealers and installers, contact
your cooperative.
As always, you can visit energize
efficiently.coop for more advice, tips and insight
into efficient energy use. 
Sources: energy.gov, energystar.gov
Cooperative Living/June 2014
water will vanish into the air, and more will go
toward hydrating your grass. On the topic of
grass, the longer it is, the less water it uses.
Consider adjusting your mower so that grass
isn't cut too short. Also, look into landscaping
techniques that direct rainwater toward your
plants.
Here's a batch of water-saving tips for
households with swimming pools: Keeping the
water level lower reduces water loss caused by
splashing. Meter the water that refills your
pool. If you notice a sharp increase, there's a
good chance you have a leak on your hands.
And you can curb heat retention and evaporation
with the use of a reflective pool cover.
And finally, look into efficient water
technologies such as low-pressure showerheads
and choose ENERGY STAR®
-certified
dishwashers, clothes washers, water heaters
and other appliances. By using a little common
sense and commitment, all homeowners can
save water, energy and money, and help
ensure a reliable water supply for generations
to come. 
Sources: epa.gov, dmme.virginia.gov
http://www.epa.gov http://dmme.virginia.gov http://www.efficiently.coop http://www.energy.gov http://www.energystar.gov
Cooperative Living June 2014

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