Conserve water with on-demand hot-water
Hot-water circulation systems eliminate waste.
Running the shower or a tap and waiting for hot water to arrive can add up to a lot of waste, especially when there's a long run of pipe between the water heater and the point of use. With an on-demand recirculating system, pushing a button circulates hot water through the system until it arrives at sink or shower. When the tap is turned on, the water is hot immediately. There are different configurations for new and retrofit applications. Systems using a timer, and those which circulate hot water constantly, save water but can be energy hogs.
Green points
LEED for HomesLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED for Homes is the residential green building program from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). While this program is primarily designed for and applicable to new home projects, major gut rehabs can qualify.
: 2 points for efficient hot water distribution, including a demand-controlled circulation loop (EA 7).
NGBSNational Green Building Standard Based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and passed through ANSI. This standard can be applied to both new homes, remodeling projects, and additions.
/ICC-700: 6 points for use of structured plumbing with demand controlled hot-water loops (801.1).
Learn more in the Green Building Encyclopedia
