More BS* + Beer
In this episode of the BS* + Beer Show, Gary Klein shares best practices for expedient distribution and delivery of hot water in our homes. Imparting expert-level information in a story-telling style, Gary is an enjoyable educator. In this discussion, we learn just what people want from their hot water systems, we hear about the bad behaviors homeowners adopt to “accommodate the wait” for hot water, and we are instructed in five ways to increase efficiency including the lesser-known electric heat tracing method. Other topics include the trunk-branch-twig approach to system design; tips for planning a plumbing system readily accessible for future maintenance and service; Gary’s preferred water-demand calculator, the ideal location for H2O heaters (hint: hot water rectangle), and the downside of circulation loops, to name a few. Because Gary thinks and speaks in terms of “buildable” solutions—meaning general contractors have been considered in the plans—the information is pro-minded and actionable.
Enjoy the show!
Bio
Gary Klein, president of Gary Klein & Associates, has been involved in energy efficiency and renewable energy since 1974. One fifth of his career was spent in the Kingdom of Lesotho, the rest in the United States. His expertise is hot water and how to efficiently distribute and deliver it. After serving 19 years with the California Energy Commission, he has provided consulting on sustainability since 2008. Klein received a BA from Cornell University with an Independent Major in Technology and Society with an emphasis on energy conservation and renewable energy.
The BS* + Beer Show schedule
The next show is on December 7, 2023, from 6-7 p.m. ET.
Use this link to register for The BS* + Beer Show
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Kiley Jacques is senior editor at Green Building Advisor.
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2 Comments
THE BS*+BEER SHOW: A Building Science Carol--Spirits of Building Science Past, Present and Yet to Come
(How building science has transformed into a kinder, gentler field)
Thursday, December 7, 2023
6pm ET • 5pm CT • 4pm MT • 3pm PT
The father of Building Science himself, Dr. Joe Lstiburek, joins us this Thursday for a discussion on lessons learned from building science gifts and mistakes of the past, challenges and successes of today, and what is likely to come in the future. Tune in to ask questions, contribute comments and share what holiday spirits you are drinking.
Our guest this week: Joseph Lstiburek, Ph.D., P.Eng., ASHRAE Fellow. Founding principal of Building Science Corporation, Dr. Lstiburek’s work ranges widely, from providing expert witness testimony to overseeing research and development projects to writing for the ASHRAE Journal and buildingscience.com. Dr. Lstiburek’s commitment to advancing the building industry has had a lasting impact on building codes and practices throughout the world, particularly in the areas of air barriers, vapor barriers, and vented and unvented roof assemblies. Dr. Lstiburek is also an acclaimed educator who has taught thousands of professionals over the past three decades and written countless papers as well as the best-selling Builder Guides. Dr. Lstiburek founded BSC in 1990 with his business partner Betsy Pettit, and he has been a key figure in establishing BSC as one of the most influential, innovative, and respected building science firms in North America.
Please register in advance for The BS + Beer Show here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KnxdjKNiTdq0ngN6rKgMbw
On screen this week:
Joseph Lstiburek, Ph.D., P.Eng., ASHRAE Fellow, Building Science Corporation (https://buildingscience.com/)
Ben Bogie, BPC Green Builders (https://www.bpcgreenbuilders.com/, https://www.instagram.com/benbogie/)
Emily Mottram, Mottram Architecture (https://www.mottramarch.com/, https://www.instagram.com/mottramarch/)
Mike Maines, Maines Design (https://www.maines.design/, https://www.instagram.com/michaelmaines/, https://www.instagram.com/maines.design/)
Circulation loop + Convenience + Efficiency
I'm on a septic, so it matters how much water I (and my kids) put down the drain.
The built-in timer on the Grundfos pump did not get the job for us.
I set my pump to the on position and plugged it into a wifi smart plug.
I installed wifi smart plugs (mini) in the kitchen and bathrooms. They have a little power button. When I physically turn one OFF, a smart routine turns the pump outlet ON for 6 minutes and then resets the outlet to ON 2 seconds after the pump outlet is turned on. This gives me a confirmation that the pump outlet responded and gets ready for the next time I call for hot water. A 4-pack of mini plugs is about $20 on Amazon and no hub is required.
I can use Siri/Google/Alexa to activate the pump outlet (for 6 minutes). I created another smart routine that turns the pump plug OFF 6 minutes after the plug is turned ON.
Of course, I insulated my loop well.
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