Chapter 09
Chapter 09
Water Heating
Energy costs for water heating can be as great as those for heating or cooling a house. However, it is
easy to cut those bills dramatically with conservation measures and water heating alternatives.
Water heaters come in a range of efficiencies, warranties, and fuel sources. Their efficiencies are
measured by a rating known as the energy factor (EF).
Baths Showers
12% 37%
Dishwasher
14%
Clothes Washer
26%
High efficiency gas water heaters can have energy factors above 0.80. In addition to variations in
insulation, gas water heater efficiency is also affected by burner design, the shape of the flue baffles
which slow the hot exhaust gases down to increase heat transfer to the water, and the amount of
surface area between the flue gases and the water.
Higher efficiency gas water heaters have blowers for venting or delivery of combustion air. Most of
these units can be vented out of the sidewall of the home rather than the roof because of the forced
air blower.
Fuel-fired water heaters should be located in unconditioned spaces that are isolated in terms of
pressure and air leakage from the living area. If fuel-fired water heaters are located in the interior
spaces, such as interior mechanical rooms connected to conditioned spaces or laundry rooms, they
should include provisions for outside combustion air, such as a direct-vent unit. Direct-vent units
have a double flue pipe that includes both an intake for combustion air and a flue for exhaust gases.
When shopping for a water heater, use the Energy Guide sticker to compare the estimated annual
energy cost for a specific water heater with comparable models. The estimated annual cost shown in
bold print on the sticker uses a national average cost of fuel, which could differ significantly in your
area.
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Electric Water Heaters
For electric water heaters, higher efficiency units have energy factors up to 0.97. Often, the
additional cost of a high efficiency unit is quite low compared to the savings. Because of the high
cost of electric water heating, more efficient options such as heat recovery units, heat pump water
heaters, and solar water heaters should be considered.
Figure 9-2
Insulating Jackets for Electric and Gas Water Heaters
Heat traps or
check valves
reduce heat
loss
Insulate at
least first four
feet of all
metal pipes
extending out
of water heater
During the summer, the desuperheater can usually provide 100% of the hot water needs of a family
while also improving the efficiency of the air conditioner or heat pump. In the spring and fall, with
no heating or cooling, the desuperheater is ineffective. In the winter, if connected to a heat pump,
the desuperheater will still provide hot water more efficiently than a conventional electric water
heater. The energy savings from a desuperheater connected to a central air conditioner depend on
how often the air conditioner is used. Savings are typically 20% to 40% of annual water heating
costs.
The size and efficiency of the water heater and cooling equipment will affect the performance of the
desuperheater. Combining desuperheaters with new, higher efficiency air conditioners or heat
pumps, which have lower refrigerant temperatures, can reduce the energy savings. The HVAC
Figure 9-3
Heat Pump Water Heaters
Standard
water
heater
Hot water
out
Cooled air
out
Warm
water in
Warm air in
While the cool dry air is an advantage in summer, it is detrimental in winter. It is best to locate the
unit in an unconditioned area, such as an unheated basement, where the cooling effect will not cause
winter discomfort or higher heating bills. The area must stay above 45°F for the unit to operate
properly.
Heat pump water heaters are sold either as separate cabinets which are connected to a conventional
water heater or as packages complete with the hot water storage tank. When operating, they are
about as loud as an air conditioner, so do not locate them where noise will be a problem.
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If the solar-heated water is hot enough, the standard water heater does not need to add more heat. If
the water is cooler than needed, the standard water heater will operate as a backup to increase the
temperature. Thus, the temperature or availability of hot water is never affected. Of course, even
when the solar-heated water is at temperatures below 120°F, the backup unit will use less energy
than it would to heat incoming cold water.
A variety of solar water heaters are available commercially, most of which should last 15 years or
longer. They are divided into three categories: active, thermosiphon, and batch. In active and
thermosiphon water heaters, solar panels or collectors trap the sun’s heat. Water or other fluid
running through the collectors absorbs heat and increases in temperature. The liquid then travels to a
storage tank where the heat it gains is stored.
Active systems use electric pumps to move the liquid from the collectors to the storage tank.
Thermosiphon water heaters require no outside power because they use the natural tendency of water
to rise as its temperature increases to push water from the collectors to the storage tank, which must
be located higher than the collectors. The hot fluid then passes through a heat exchanger where it
heats the domestic water or the incoming water passes through a heat exchanger in the storage tank.
Figure 9-4
Active Solar Water Heating Systems
Collector
Solar storage
tank with heat
exchange coil
inside to heat
Pump circulates water
working fluid
through the
system
Some solar water heaters use a single, large storage tank that has a backup source of water heating.
Other systems use a standard water heater as a backup and a separate solar storage tank. Active and
thermosiphon systems can supply up to 70 percent of a family’s annual hot water needs.
The tilt angle of the collector — the angle between the glazing and the horizon — should be within
15 degrees of the latitude. For Louisiana, the tilt angle can be between 18 and 50 degrees. The best
tilt angle for a year-round solar device, such as a solar water heater, is 35 to 45 degrees. For solar
collectors used only for winter heating, tilt angles can be raised to between 50 and 60 degrees.
Batch water heaters, also called breadbox water heaters, are simpler than active or thermosiphon
systems. However, they provide less hot water, usually about 15 to 40 percent of a family’s yearly
demand. Batch water heaters combine the collector and storage tank in one box. The box has
insulated sides, a clear cover, and one or more tanks inside. In some cases, large tubes are used
instead of tanks. A batch water heater can typically store 30 to 60 gallons of hot water.
On a sunny day, sunlight travels through the glazing of the batch unit and strikes the tanks, which are
flat black in color. In most cases, the tanks are covered with a special selective surface coating that
readily absorbs sunlight, but reduces heat loss from the tank. When the tanks absorb the sun’s
energy, the water inside the tanks is heated. Local water pressure pushes the solar-heated water into
the regular water heater whenever a fixture or appliance, such as a shower or dishwasher, is drawing
hot water. Batch heaters are manufactured and sold commercially. However, because of the
simplicity of the design, some people build their own.
The collectors for any type of solar water heater should be located as close as possible to the water
heater tank to minimize the connecting piping. The glazing should face within 45 degrees of due
south. Collectors are usually located on the roof, but they can be attached to supports on the side of
a house or on the ground. Because batch water heaters combine collectors, storage tanks, and water,
they are heavy. Adequate structural support must be provided when they are located on the roof.
Figure 9-5
Batch Solar Water Heating System
Incoming water
supply (cold)
Hot water
to house
Backup water
heater
Batch water heater
with tank inside
Water inside the tanks of a batch water heater will only freeze on extremely cold nights. However,
the water in the pipes that connect the batch heater to the inside can freeze at temperatures around
32°F. A special freeze prevention drip valve should be used on a batch water heater.
Solar water heating can provide year round savings. Households that use a large amount of hot
water and can adapt the time when hot water is used to match when it is available will benefit the
most. Savings will be greatest if laundry, dishes, and bathing are done between noon and early
evening - after the sun has heated the water stored in the tank.
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Instantaneous Water Heaters
Instantaneous water heaters use higher capacity electric coils or gas burners to heat cold water only
when there is a need for hot water. They save energy in two ways: they have no storage tank so
there is no need to keep stored water continuously warm, and gas-fired burners on these units usually
heat water more efficiently than gas tank-type water heaters. Conventional water heaters keep 30 to
50 gallons of water at a constant temperature - 24 hours a day.
Instantaneous units must be sized carefully for their planned use. A small unit may provide heating
for only one faucet or appliance at a time, so a higher capacity model or several units are generally
needed to provide hot water for conventional residential uses. By eliminating the standby losses and
increasing efficiency, instantaneous water heaters may save 10 to 20 percent of a household’s usual
water heating bill.
In general, instantaneous water heaters are not particularly cost-effective investments. It is usually
more economical to use conservation measures such as low-flow showerheads, insulated tank
jackets, reduced thermostat settings to lower standby losses, and to install conventional, high
efficiency water heaters.
Appliances
Heating, cooling, and hot water are usually the biggest portion of energy needs in Louisiana homes.
However, the cost of operating major appliances is significant. While most new appliances offer a
wide variety of features, many models are not designed to be energy efficient. When choosing
appliances, it is important to consider their operating costs - how much energy they require to run -
as well as the purchase price and the various features and conveniences they offer.
Appliances which operate efficiently may cost more to buy, but the energy savings they provide
make them a good investment. For example, running a standard refrigerator over its life of 15 to 20
years costs about three times as much as its purchase price. An energy efficient model can save
hundreds of dollars over the life of the appliance. Table 9-1 shows typical annual energy costs for a
variety of appliances.
Table 9-1
Typical Energy Costs for Appliances
EnergyGuide Label
To compare the energy usage of an appliance, use the EnergyGuide label. Federal law requires that
manufacturers display this label on all new refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, dishwashers,
clothes washers, and room air conditioners. Energy Guide labels are not currently required on
kitchen ranges, microwave ovens, clothes dryers, demand-type water heaters, and portable space
heaters.
The large number on the EnergyGuide label tells how much that appliance will cost to operate each
year based on an estimate of the amount of energy used and an average national energy costs. The
rating for a particular model is shown on a line scale that compares its energy cost against the model
with the lowest and highest annual energy costs. Much like the federal miles per gallon ratings for
automobiles, the actual amount of energy used and its cost will vary according to local prices and
each family’s lifestyle.
The EnergyGuide label also provides the name of the manufacturer, model number, type of
appliance, and capacity. It has a yearly cost table that shows a range of energy rates and the total
annual cost to operate that particular appliance at each rate. Use exact energy rates from local
utilities to estimate operating costs for the appliance.
Figure 9-6
EnergyGuide Label
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Appliance Shopping Checklist
All Appliances
• Use EnergyGuide label to help select unit. Find the savings in operating costs for more
efficient appliances. Divide the savings per year into the extra purchase price to get the
payback period. Paybacks of less than five years are generally attractive.
Refrigerators
• The most efficient models are in the 16 to 20-cubic foot range.
• Side-by-side refrigerator/freezers use more energy than similarly sized models with freezers
on top.
• Features such as automatic icemakers and through-the-door dispensers add somewhat to
energy use.
• Units that are more square, rather than rectangular, also save energy, but may not be as
convenient to use.
• Manual defrost units save considerably more than frost-free units, but create more work for
the homeowner.
• Look for a power-saving switch that turns off a condensation-prevention heater. Keep this
switch off unless the unit experiences significant condensation.
• New generations of refrigerators that do not use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) exceed the
minimum standards of NAECA by about 30% - the result of the electric utility-funded Super
Efficient Refrigerator Program (SERP).
• Try to install the refrigerator in a cooler location - in particular, it should not receive direct
sunlight.
• The refrigerator should operate between 36°F and 38°F, and the freezer should be 0°F to 5°F.
Adjust temperatures to this range.
Dishwashers
• Water heating accounts for about 80% of energy use.
• Models that use less water also use less energy.
• Models should have light, medium, and heavy cycle options — water use for one dishwasher
is 7.5 gallons for a light cycle, 11 gallons for medium, and 13 gallons for heavy.
• Models should have an energy saving "air dry" or "no heat dry" switch.
• Choose a unit that contains a supplemental or booster water heater; then set your water heater
to 120°F. Make certain the unit still provides 160°F to the sanitary cycle if desired.
• Minimize pre-rinsing of dishes unless necessary; always rinse in cold water.
• Wash only full loads.
Clothes Dryers
• Energy-saving switches and models that detect "dryness" and shut off automatically offer
considerable energy savings.
• Some units have moisture sensors in the drum, which save about 15% over standard dryers.
Chapter 9 Water Heating, Appliances and Lighting 167
• Others have a temperature sensor in the dryer exhaust, which saves about 10% over standard
units.
• If clothes that usually need ironing are removed while slightly damp, they can be hung up to
save on dryer and ironing energy use.
Cooking
• Convection ovens are about 1/3 more efficient than standard ovens, but cost much more.
• Electric cooktops with ceramic glass covers are slightly more efficient than coil or disk
electric stoves; induction elements, which use electromagnetic energy to heat the pan, are the
most efficient, but also cost much more.
• Higher cost models may not save enough energy to make up the cost increase.
• Large kitchen exhaust fans, especially those for side-vented stoves, which can exhaust 400 to
700 cfm should be avoided. They can create considerable negative pressures in tight homes
and may cause backdrafting of combustion appliances. The code only requires 100 cfm of
ventilation.
Lighting
Standard incandescent bulbs are the most common lighting source for homes. However,
incandescent lamps are quite inefficient. They convert only 10 percent of the electricity to lighting;
the remainder is waste heat. The lighting industry has responded to the need for energy efficiency
with a wide range of excellent products. The most notable of these options are:
• Compact fluorescents that use thin tubes and require less than 1/3 of the electricity to provide
as much light as standard incandescent lamps. These products can also provide the same
quality of light as incandescent lamps.
• Lower wattage fluorescent tubes, along with efficient electronic ballasts, can reduce the
energy needed by a standard 2-lamp, 4-foot fixture from 92 watts to about 60 watts. There
are many products available with a high color rendition index (CRI), which measures the
ability of a lamp to illuminate colors accurately.
• High pressure sodium and metal halide lamps, mainly intended for exterior use in residences,
are four to six times more efficient than standard exterior lamps.
There is great opportunity for originality and ingenuity in residential lighting design. A home
combines more functions and needs than most other buildings, yet energy efficient lighting can be
achieved at minimal cost. Of course, the needs of each home must be considered individually, but
certain conservation measures are applicable to all home designs, including:
• Energy efficient fixtures and lamps for areas of high continuous lighting use, such as the
kitchen, sitting areas, and outside the home for safety and security.
• Local task lighting for specific activities such as working at a desk, on a kitchen counter, or
in a workshop.
• Accent lighting for areas that need more light enables the overall level of lighting in a room
to be reduced.
• Timers and light-sensitive switches for exterior lighting.
• Daylighting – using sunlight as the light source in areas normally occupied during the day.
• Solid-state dimmers and multilevel switches which allow variable lighting levels.
Figure 9-7
Efficacy of Different Lighting Types
(Lumens per Watt)
The lighting level depends on the efficacy of the light source and the ability of the lighting fixture to
distribute the light effectively. High efficacy lamps and efficient lighting fixtures reduce wattage
requirements while still providing the desired light levels.
In designing a lighting plan, consult knowledgeable professionals about optimum lighting levels and
different types of fixtures and lamps. Table 9-2 shows sizing guidelines for tube-type fluorescent
lighting systems.
For example, a standard 75-watt incandescent lamp costs $54 for electricity and bulb replacements
over 10,000 hours of operation. Compare that to a new 19-watt CFL, which has a similar light
output. For the same 10,000 hours of operation, the cost of the lamp will be $2.50 and no
replacements will be needed.
Table 9-3
Purchase and Operating Costs of Incandescent Lamps and CFLs
Wattage Typical Lumens Rated Efficacy
Electricity Total Cost
Purchase Life (Lumens/Costs for for 10,000
Cost ($) (Hours) Watt) 10,000 Hrs
Hrs*
Incandescent and Compact Fluorescent (Cost is for bulbs only)
Double-life Incandescent 60 $0.50 780 2,000 13 $60 $62.50
Compact Fluorescent 13 $2.00 900 10,000 69 $13 $15.00
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The amount of mercury in the lamp is different for each lamp, but the lamps typically contain only
about 5 milligrams of mercury. This mercury is sealed inside of the tube of the lamp and will only
escape if the lamp is destroyed. By contrast, using an incandescent bulb requires almost four times
the power required by a comparable CFL. The increased electricity use causes a proportional
increase in the power plant emissions required to provide that power. One of the emissions
produced by coal-fired power plants is mercury.
With coal-fired electricity generation, a 75 watt incandescent bulb will produce approximately 13.2
milligrams of mercury over the standard life of a CFL. During that same period, a comparable CFL
will only contribute to the emission of 3.5 milligrams. This means that replacing an incandescent
lamp with a CFL can reduce the overall amount of mercury entering the environment, even if all
mercury escapes from the CFL.
Table 9-4 shows a sample lighting comparison between a home with standard, incandescent lighting
and a home with a variety of efficient lighting technologies. The energy efficient design costs an
extra $104, but saves $285 per year on lighting energy bills.
Table 9-4
Sample Improved Lighting Design
Standard Design Energy Efficient Design
Room Type* Watts Hrs/ kWh/ Type* Extra Watts kWh/ Annual
day yr Cost yr Savings**
Kitchen I 150 4 438.0 F $30.00 60 87.6 $13.14
Living I 150 5 328.5 CFL $8.28 56 102.2 $17.16
Dining
I 75 1 136.9 I --- 75 27.4 $0.00
(decorative)
Bathrooms (2) I 180 4 262.8 CFL $4.50 39 56.9 $20.59
Hallway I 150 4 547.5 F $30.00 38 55.5 $16.35
Bedrooms (3) I 225 2 328.5 CFL $4.50 57 41.6 $12.26
Laundry / Utility I 100 2 146.0 F $25.00 30 21.9 $5.11
Closets (5) I 300 1 109.5 I --- 300 109.5 $0.00
Porch I 75 4 328.5 CFL $2.00 19 27.7 $8.18
Exterior
H 360 8 1576.8 CFL $0.00 92 268.6 $78.26
Floodlight
Total Lighting
System 4203.0 $104.28 1353.1 $284.99
*I=Incandescent; F=Fluorescent; CFL=Compact Fluorescent
** Analysis assumes cost of electricity to be $0.10 per kWh.
Like any component of a home, the selection of lighting system depends on the needs of the
occupants and the economics of the systems. Select a lighting system with a low power density and
adequate controls. Less efficient systems can be used in rooms which are rarely used, like closets.
In rooms that are used frequently, savings associated with a high efficiency lighting system will
grow more rapidly, making the system more cost effective. Make sure that the systems selected are
economic for the way the system will be used.
Chapter 9 Water Heating, Appliances and Lighting 171
Notes:
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