It’s no secret that heating water is one of the biggest energy wasters in your home. Whenever you shower, you mix water and energy together, use it for a few seconds, then send that warm water, and all the energy you’ve just paid for, down the drain. Did you know that somewhere between 80% and 90% of the energy used to heat water ends up going down the drain?
What is a Drain Water Heat Recovery System?
With a drain water heat recovery system (DWHR), you can recapture some of the energy as the hot water drains away and use it to pre-heat incoming cold water using a simple, passive device. A DWHR system consists of a length of drain pipe that is generally 3 to 5 feet long and 4 inches in diameter with a metal water pipe tightly coiled around it.
Drain Water Heat Recovery System
When you shower, as the water you just paid to heat washes down the drain, it travels down through the drain pipe. Fresh cold water enters the coil water pipe it picks up the heat from the metal wall of the drain pipe, then flows to the water heater. As the water travels through the coil pipe, it is heated by the hot water in the drain pipe.
The heated water in the coil is directed to your water heater and because the incoming water is already pre-heated, your water heater will use significantly less energy to heat and maintain the temperature of your water.
Benefits of a Drain Water Heat Recovery System
Lower Energy Bills – The already warm water will cost less to heat, thus lowering your energy bills and resulting into a relatively quick payback time. It’s a sustainable investment.
Prolong the Life of Your Hot Water Heater – Lowering your heating demand can reduce the workload of your hot water heater.
A Simple and Reliable System –A DWHR system has no moving parts and once installed, requires practically zero maintenance. And it has a lifespan of over 30 years
Consider a Drain Water Heat Recovery System in your home. It’s a great and uncomplicated way to save money every time you use hot water.
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