ways-to-improve-your-homes-efficiency &laquo; WordPress.com Tag Feed http://en.wordpress.com/tag/ways-to-improve-your-homes-efficiency/ Feed of posts on WordPress.com tagged "ways-to-improve-your-homes-efficiency" Thu, 23 May 2013 13:31:19 +0000 http://en.wordpress.com/tags/ en <![CDATA[Electric Discount Tankless Water Heater For Whole House Use?]]> http://notank.com/2012/07/25/electric-discount-tankless-water-heater-for-whole-house-use/ Wed, 25 Jul 2012 11:14:24 +0000 kenesics CEO http://notank.com/2012/07/25/electric-discount-tankless-water-heater-for-whole-house-use/ English: Two Rannai brand, tankless water heat...

English: Discount Hot Water Heaters Available At http://www.kenesics.com (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The maximum flow rate of a discount hot water heater is calculated by the adding the amount of the flow rates of all fixtures that pull water and which the unit is able to provide sufficient hot water. If the amount is greater than the hot water heater’s highest flow rate then it will not be able to generate enough water to satisfy the requirement which means the faster the stream amount above the flow rate amount, the lower the temperature of the water.

Homeowners who have traditional storage heating units usually do not need to be concerned with stream rates and the temperature levels because there is a large amount of water collected in the tank that can satisfy the entire hot water need from several fixtures at a time. The only way users cannot get sufficient amounts of hot water is in the rare situations when the demand is so high that the heaters can not fill its tank faster than the call for.

If a heater’s highest possible stream amount is exceeded, water will leave the heater before it reaches the desired temperature. Because of this, the on demand heater should not be used to support many simultaneous uses.

A homeowner choosing an electric tankless hot water heat would be able to install a unit that is more compact in size than a gas tankless hot water heater. For home uses, an electric tankless hot water heater with a highest possible rated water flow amount of about 4 gpm may be able to supply only two showers simultaneously or perhaps one shower a dishwasher and a sink simultaneously.

Of course a single electric tankless hot water heater is not the best choice to adequately meet a family’s demand for a whole house hot water usage. The homeowner would have to install several electric tankless hot water heaters at the advantage of being able to provide instantaneous hot water. In contrast, a single gas tankless hot water heater is perhaps better able to fulfill a smaller family’s hot water needs, since these heating units can have a water flow rate amount of about 6-12 gpm.

Most newer model hot water heaters have stream recognition devices that will activate once the discharge amount exceeds a certain flow rate. If a fixture draws a highest possible flow rate of 0.5 gpm, of hot water and the on demand heaters has a minimum stream amount requirement of 0.7 gpm, then water will not be supplied. Because of this gas heating units may not be suitable for point of use applications where the heaters would be servicing fewer than one or two fixtures.

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]]> <![CDATA[Electric Tankless Water Heaters Are They Right For You?]]> http://notank.com/2012/06/20/electric-tankless-water-heaters-are-they-right-for-you/ Wed, 20 Jun 2012 06:53:52 +0000 kenesics CEO http://notank.com/2012/06/20/electric-tankless-water-heaters-are-they-right-for-you/ Homeowners have two basic options for installing an electric tankless water heater:  End point of use type installation and Whole-House type installation. End Point-of-Use Installation An end point-of-use installation for tankless water heaters is sometimes called “instant” “instantaneous” or even “on demand” because the faucet receives hot water almost instantaneously after the fixture is activated. The tankless water heater is placed at the end point of use, like under the kitchen sink or in a bathroom. The proximity to the faucet almost eliminates waiting for hot water to arrive at the faucet, and decreases heat loss that can occur if the hot water pipes are not insulated. End point of use connections in residential settings seem to favor electric units because of the smaller physical sizes allow them to fit into small spaces like cabinets under a sink. Not to mention, electric tankless units do not needed combustion air or an exhaust vent, and can be placed practically anywhere in the home. A homeowner that choosing to install a tankless water heater as a point of use may have several small units at specific locations throughout the house. However, the total number of units that can be installed is still limited by the homeowner’s electrical system‘s capability to give a sufficient source of energy. Whole-Home Installation The whole-house installation represents a situation where low-cost water heaters provide water for an entire dwelling. An installation of this type is similar to the commonly found typical tank heater. Actually, a common practice in retrofit or home improvement situation is to disconnect the current water heater and install the tankless heater in the same place as the tank heater. A pitfall to electric tankless heaters for water is undeniably limited by the capability of the house’s ability to give ample amount of power to properly run the unit. Most homes in the United States typically have an ability to give electricity in the range of 100 amps to about 150 amps. Where as older homes seem to only be able to muster 100 amps and sometimes less. Given this limiting factor, installing electric heaters for water in retrofitting or home improvement projects will often command an transformation in the homeowner’s electrical system to about 200 amps or more depending on capability of the part being used. Most homes are still limited to an electic tankless heater with a largest hot water flow of 3 GPM due to the large power draw of the unit, even with the enhancement. Because of this, gas tankless water heaters tend to be more right for whole-home installations over electric tankless water heaters because gas tankless units can give larger GPM than electric tankless models.

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]]> <![CDATA[How Tankless Water Heaters Can Reduce Your Future Energy Costs]]> http://notank.com/2012/06/18/how-tankless-water-heater-technology-can-save-your-energy-costs/ Mon, 18 Jun 2012 10:25:07 +0000 kenesics CEO http://notank.com/2012/06/18/how-tankless-water-heater-technology-can-save-your-energy-costs/ In the residential sector, the most common type of technology is the water storage space container. This technology heats water from the residence’s every day supply to a desired temperature, which is typically between 120 degrees F – 140 degrees F, within a self contained unit that ranges in capacity from 20 – 80 gallons. The after it is heated it is stored within the very same container at the preferred temperature until a sink or other source pulls from it. It is the process of continually heating that produces the inefficiency most associated with storage water heaters: “stand by energy loss.” The warmth conducted and radiated from the walls of the container and through the flue pipe in gas fired water warming units are the standby failures and this can represent between 10 – 20 percent of a household’s annual heating efficiency costs. Even if no hot water is drawn from the container the heater will have to operate periodically to maintain the water’s temperature, which decreases due to the standby loss. The most common types of water warming technoligies in the commercial sector are storage space container systems and recirculating cycle water warming systems. Recirculating cycle water warming systems also typically have a hot water storage space container, However to reduce the wait time for hot water at the faucet or end us point, the hot water is pumped regularly around a circulation cycle from which individual users pull hot water as desired. To reiterate, standby energy losses which besides the loss from storage space container system also include the warm lost through the distribution cycle of recirculating cycle systems require that the heater operate periodically to maintain the temperature. Until addressed this will always be limiting factor to hot water efficiency with tank water heaters. Tankless hot water warming units can potentially help reduce the standby failures connected with water heating. On demand water warming units are very common in European and Asian countries. Despite the fact that they are slowly becoming more common in the non commercial market of the U.S. due to the fact of recent improvements in stream technologies, they still have very low growth in both the residential and commercial markets. A tankless water heater works by using emitters that are triggered by the stream of water when there is a need for heated water. Water is heated spontaneously as it flows through the tankless water heater. Since it does not store hot water in anticipation of demand there is no storage space container hence the term tankless. On demand water warming units are available in either electric, liquid propane or natural gas models. In gas tankless water warming units, the emitters are in the form of warm exchangers that transfer water from the hot combustion gases to the water. Because of the combustion process, a gas tankless water heater requires access to combustion air, and an exhaust vent is required for expelling the flue gases. Gas models use either a pilot light or electronic ignition as their ignition source. Like electric models, the start of the discharge initiates the stream of gas into the combustion chamber, where it is ignited by the ignition source either a pilot light or electronic starter. In electric tankless hot water warming units, the emitters transform electrical energy into warm and the elements are usually placed in direct contact with the water so that warm is directly transferred into the stream. The electric elements warm up when the stream of water begins and turns off when the discharge stops. I hope you find this article helpful and a source for information to better equips you with the tool you need to make an informed decision on transitioning from a conventional tank water heater to a tankless model. For more information on tankless water heaters visit http://www.kenesics.com your number one source for information and name brand discount water heaters.

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]]> <![CDATA[Infrared BBQ Grill now Infrared Tankless Water Heaters...What's Next?]]> http://notank.com/2012/06/09/infrared-bbq-grill-now-infrared-tankless-water-heaters-whats-next/ Sat, 09 Jun 2012 18:29:51 +0000 kenesics CEO http://notank.com/2012/06/09/infrared-bbq-grill-now-infrared-tankless-water-heaters-whats-next/ This story of dreams and innovation moved me so much to the point I had to post the real story in its original state. I will not spoil it for you but I will tell you that tank-less water heating is an ever evolving technology and after reading this story you will understand exactly what I mean.

‘No limit’ to the American dream : Pinellas Park Beacon – Tampa Bay Newspapers.

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]]> <![CDATA[Kenesics Goes Viral With First YouTube Video]]> http://notank.com/2012/06/08/kenesics-goes-viral-with-first-youtube-video/ Fri, 08 Jun 2012 18:47:23 +0000 kenesics CEO http://notank.com/2012/06/08/kenesics-goes-viral-with-first-youtube-video/ Image representing YouTube as depicted in Crun...

Image via CrunchBase

Check out my début YouTube video for http://www.kenesics.com, http://youtu.be/lDhMHv7A4MU its 59 secs, tell me what you think and any suggestions you may have.  I thought it was kind of cute lol.

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]]> <![CDATA[Like A Broken Record]]> http://notank.com/2012/06/01/like-a-broken-record/ Fri, 01 Jun 2012 18:27:48 +0000 kenesics CEO http://notank.com/2012/06/01/like-a-broken-record/ Throughout the months I have read numerous articles referring to tankless water heaters and there efficiency and to be honest I am wondering how much longer I am going to be able to continue to report the same stuff.

I’m convinced that a discount tankless water heater is more efficient than a traditional tanked water heater, I believe without a shadow of a doubt that pound for pound a tankless water heater takes up less space. I also believe that if properly selected and installed by a professional a tankless water heater will provide an endless supply of hot water. Those are the facts as I see them.

What is upsetting is realizing that compared to a tanked water heater, tankless water heaters cost more and not only do they cost more to purchase they cost more to install as well. Chances are you will have to modify your home even if you select an electric or gas tankless unit. Usually the gas line will need to be modified to accommodate the new requirement and if you choose electric you will more than likely need to update the wiring to be able to handle the power requirements the unit will call for.

Those modifications are not all inclusive and because of the countless variables there really is no way to even guess what your cost could be. It is always best to get a tankless water heater installed if you are having a new home built or having upgrades to your existing home done. However, if you are just itching to get one in your house be prepared to pay a little more than what you would expect.

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]]> <![CDATA[Extend The Life Of Your On Demand Tankless Water Heater]]> http://notank.com/2012/05/29/extend-the-life-of-your-on-demand-tankless-water-heater/ Tue, 29 May 2012 19:14:45 +0000 kenesics CEO http://notank.com/2012/05/29/extend-the-life-of-your-on-demand-tankless-water-heater/ English: Suyum su filtri / water filterExtend the life of your on demand water heater by installing a simple water filter.  Not having a water filter installed subjects your very expensive tankless water heater to who knows what. It is a wise investment to getting one as soon as you possibly can.

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]]> <![CDATA[It's Just Not Enough...]]> http://notank.com/2012/05/20/its-just-not-enough/ Sun, 20 May 2012 15:09:25 +0000 kenesics CEO http://notank.com/2012/05/20/its-just-not-enough/ shower head Deutsch: Duschkopf mit strömenden ...

Low-flow Shower Head

The more thought I put into this transformation, the more I realize it is about more than a tankless water heater. I am beginning to see a change of behavior is also warranted as well as low flow fixtures. I wonder how much of my utility bill I will save if I simply change my behavior?

Nevertheless I will in addition to the water heater change I will install low flow shower heads in each bathroom.  I saw a brand from a company called Niagara, has anyone heard of them? The information I have claims to produce no more than 1.5 GPM regardless of water pressure.  I can not confirm that unfortunately until after I buy one.

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]]> <![CDATA[Water Conservation Ideas For Your Home]]> http://notank.com/2012/05/12/water-conservation-ideas-for-your-home/ Sat, 12 May 2012 15:30:21 +0000 kenesics CEO http://notank.com/2012/05/12/water-conservation-ideas-for-your-home/ #gallery-97-2 { margin: auto; } #gallery-97-2 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-97-2 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-97-2 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; }

I can assure you any level of commitment you make towards water conservation is helpful.  It does not matter if you decide to increase your water efficiency by not letting your faucet run while you brush your teeth or if you decided to remodel your home to aid you in being a good Stuart for your utilities, as long as you do a part is better than doing nothing at all.

I have looked into ways a home owner (me) can be a more relevant and reliable custodian of my utilities. I have always liked the idea of rain barrels but was hesitant about plopping this huge and honestly unattractive rain barrel in front of my home. Each time I would shop my favorite home improvement store I got subjected to a very limited choice of rain barrels.

Would you use these rain barrels, instead of the traditional ones?

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]]> <![CDATA[Put your mind in the "Gutters"]]> http://notank.com/2012/05/12/put-your-mind-in-the-gutters/ Sat, 12 May 2012 07:22:05 +0000 kenesics CEO http://notank.com/2012/05/12/put-your-mind-in-the-gutters/ With a 30 year mortgage and purchasing my home in 2008, I think call myself a new home owner is a relatively true statement despite the four-year difference.

When I purchased my home I insisted on gutters. To be honest I just wanted them because my father had them on his house and if my dad did it then it must have been a good idea and it was something else I could use as a bargaining chip with the builders. Naturally they complied with my request and installed gutters on my home.

As weeks and months passed I started to notice holes develop where the water exits the gutter on to the grass.  I determined it was due to the downward force of the water. I tried several quick and easy ways to cut the force of the water or redirect it however the results were less than adequate.

I am considering putting rain barrels under the gutters, what do you think?

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]]> <![CDATA[National Home Improvement Month]]> http://notank.com/2012/05/10/national-home-improvement-month/ Thu, 10 May 2012 07:39:51 +0000 kenesics CEO http://notank.com/2012/05/10/national-home-improvement-month/ The month of May is National Home Improvement Month…Ok, I apologize for being a few days late but you know the old saying, “It’s better late than not at all.”

What do you have planned for your home improvements? As you may already know I have decided to transform my home from tanked to tankless water heater use. If you have any insight on the project, I would love to hear it.

]]> <![CDATA[A Few More Reasons To Go Tankless]]> http://notank.com/2012/05/10/a-few-more-reasons-to-go-tankless/ Thu, 10 May 2012 07:20:03 +0000 kenesics CEO http://notank.com/2012/05/10/a-few-more-reasons-to-go-tankless/ A picture of antiquated Water Heaters

A picture of antiquated Water Heaters (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Lets look at a couple or reasons why owning a tankless water heater maybe more beneficial than a tanked water heater.For starters, an endless hot water supply – A tankless water heater can convert any water source into hot water on demand with the proper connectors. There is no limit to the amount of hot water a tankless water heater can hold because the amount of  hot water that goes in is the amount of hot water that goes out.

Another reason and perhaps the most important is to lower energy bills – There is no tank containing gallons of water waiting and constantly being reheated until a demand for it. By eliminating a tank water heater you can save up to 30 percent on energy costs

Another favorite is a long system life – Tankless water heaters have a typical life of up to 20 years. Twice as long as a tank style unit. Not to mention that tankless water heater do not need as much maintenance

Lets not forget the space savings – Compact in design, tankless water heaters can install almost anywhere. Traditional tank water heaters can take a lot of valuable floor space. Think what you can put in the place of your current water heater.

How about Clean and fresh water – Water sits With tankless water heaters, homeowners will always experience fresh, clean water that is heated on demand, as it passes through the unit.

Finally, Tankless water heaters are sustainable and green – Tankless water heaters with ENERGY STAR approval use less energy and prevent greenhouse gas emissions. Tankless water heaters with an Energy Star Rating may come at a premium price. There are manufacturers that choose not to apply for the Energy Star Rating. Major and well-known brands may find it necessary to include

more costs to the end-user for those energy ratings, Companies like EZTankless and Eccotemp do not. These two companies offer tankless water heaters that are just as durable and reliable as other well-known and more expensive units. With a warranty that ranges from 5 to 10 years no questions asked.

“You’ll want an experienced and licensed plumber to install your new Eccotemp or EZTankless Water Heater.

 

]]> <![CDATA[First Step Towards Transformation]]> http://notank.com/2012/05/10/first-step-towards-transformation/ Thu, 10 May 2012 06:21:07 +0000 kenesics CEO http://notank.com/2012/05/10/first-step-towards-transformation/ The first thing I think I need to do, and correct me if I am wrong, is to determine what I have to deal with in reference to appliances in my home that require hot water and their demand on soon to be on demand hot water system. My home has the following: It is a two story home. The current water heater is in the garage and is closest to the master bedroom. The master bedroom is on the first floor and there are two full baths on the first floor. The master bath has his and her sinks an enclosed shower and a garden tub. The kitchen is on the first floor and it has a double sink and a dishwasher. Also on the first floor is the laundry room with a washer and the second bathroom which contains a sink and shower tub combination. The upstairs has a full bath very similar to the down stairs and a wet bar that is seldomly used. I think I covered it all except for the sink that is in the garage which is also seldomly used. Next blog I will discus the GPM and the fixtures and how often I use them during the day. I also may need to mention that the home is occupied by my wife and teenage daughter and me of course. Oh and if I did not mention it before thanks for taking this journey with me and feel free to chime whenever.

]]> <![CDATA[Join Me As I Make The Change ]]> http://notank.com/2012/05/10/join-me-as-i-make-the-change/ Thu, 10 May 2012 06:19:29 +0000 kenesics CEO http://notank.com/2012/05/10/join-me-as-i-make-the-change/  

You are welcome to join me as I make the transition from my traditional tanked hot water heater to a new energy efficient on demand hot water heater. My goal is to make my home as energy effient as possible and do this in the most practical and economical way I can. I will take you on this journey from start to finish and update you as I go. Please feel free to comment on I will welcome all advice.

 

]]> <![CDATA[Mission Accomplished!]]> http://notank.com/2012/05/05/mission-accomplished/ Sat, 05 May 2012 06:10:40 +0000 kenesics CEO http://notank.com/2012/05/05/mission-accomplished/ Earlier this week I posted an article about Eemax brand tankless water heaters and how impressed I was with the leadership of the company. I made it a point to research ways to get those products on my site.

Well ladies and gentlemen, mission accomplished, I not only found Eemax products but I found them in the same place I ship from.  That means additional savings for everyone.

So look for the Eemax brand to be featured on my site with in the next few weeks.

]]> <![CDATA[Eemax Refuses To Get Out!]]> http://notank.com/2012/05/01/eemax-refuses-to-get-out/ Tue, 01 May 2012 06:07:45 +0000 kenesics CEO http://notank.com/2012/05/01/eemax-refuses-to-get-out/ Eemax is an Oxford based company who over the past few years has seen real growth, so much that they found the need to expand their operation.  However, here is the interesting part, instead of picking up and moving out-of-state they decided to stay in Connecticut.  Can you believe that?

Eemax employs just fewer than 100 workers and the decision not to move perhaps had to do with keeping a good thing going, it makes sense.  Eemax is doing things right and though I do not have any of their products on my site, I am going to do my best to change that.

An American company that looks out for its employees before profits says volumes and is certainly worthy of my business.  Therefore, Eemax if your reading, I will be giving you call in the near future.  Please feel free to read the article I enjoyed it.

]]> <![CDATA[Paper or Plastic? OOPS! I Meant Gas Or Electric]]> http://notank.com/2012/04/27/paper-or-plastic-oops-i-meant-gas-or-electric/ Fri, 27 Apr 2012 05:55:16 +0000 kenesics CEO http://notank.com/2012/04/27/paper-or-plastic-oops-i-meant-gas-or-electric/ The facts are the facts and numbers don’t lie (usually lol). It is understood by most that a tankless water heater is more efficient than a conventional tank model. That’s really not the problem any more. So what is all the talk about? Well, the issues start raising their ugly heads when we begin the process of picking which model to use, Gas or Electric and the up front cost. Throughout my search, I was faced with the same answers, and hands down the answer is an overwhelming Gas is better. Without getting all caught up in the numbers, the bottom line is in order for an electric unit to come on-line with the output of a gas unit it must be able to generate water just as fast, and to do that it will need more juice than you are perhaps willing to pay for. Now having said that I don’t want you to think that an electric model does not have its uses in the home. In fact my next project is to install a few electric units in key places in my home like the dishwasher and kitchen sink . So an electric tankless water heater is a good idea, just not as a main source for your hot water needs, especially if your hot water needs are above average.

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