Plumbing question – Domestic Water Heat Reclaimer

QuinnParrott | Posted in Green Products and Materials on April 10, 2012 05:50am

Are these things a good idea? The manufacturer I’ve spoken with is a nice enough guy but I get the feeling I’m buying a used car.

We’ve put them into one house and I want to start putting in more, for customs and spec homes. But is it a good idea?

Thanks in advance.

Answer

GBA Prime

Join the leading community of building science experts

GBA Editor

Martin Holladay | Apr 10, 2012 08:50am | #1
Quinn,
If you are talking about drainwater heat-recovery devices made of copper (for example, a unit made by GFX, PowerPipe / RenewAbility, or WaterCycles), they work very well. Such devices make a lot of sense if the occupants prefer showers to baths. For families that prefer baths to showers, however, they won't really do much.

Here are some links for more information:
Drain-Water Heat Recovery Saves Energy

Power-Pipe Drainwater Heat Recovery

ECO-GFX Drain Water Heat Recovery Units
propeller | Apr 10, 2012 07:34pm | #2
Quinn,
Here's a summary of an independent research that the Canadian government agency did on the product. http://www.cmhc.ca/odpub/pdf/65680.pdf and here's a saving calculator that may be handy if you live nearby a canadian city. http://www.ceati.com/calculator/ Marc
QuinnParrott | Apr 10, 2012 08:04pm | #3
Very nice - thank you very much.