The Pros and Cons of Tankless Hot Water Heaters

From time to time we invite experts in their field to contribute to our Homestars blog. Debra Fenwick of Fenwick Design Group has been advising her clients on the “green” renovation options for a few years now. One of the subjects that comes up frquently is whether or not the client should install a tankless hotwater system.  I’ll let Debra take it from here…

The Pros and Cons of Tankless Hot Water Heaters

By: Debra Fenwick, Fenwick Interior Design

Your water heater is typically the #2 energy user in your home and can use between 18-20% of the energy budget.  Much buzz has been generated by the press and in environmental circles as to the benefits of the tankless hot water system earning it the reputation as the “eco-choice”.  But what are the real pros and cons to this system and should it be an integral part of a green home renovation?

 The tankless hot water heater (or “on demand” unit) heats water as you use it instead of storing hot water like a traditional system.  It’s available in propane (LP), natural gas, or electric models.

 The benefits are that it is a compact system which virtually eliminates standby heat and energy losses.  When installed at a specific faucet or shower, it can provide warm water at remote points of use thereby decreasing the water wasted waiting for the warm water to travel from the main tank.  The unit can provide unlimited hot water as long as it is operating within its capacity.  And therein lies the rub…

Discussions with Nick Tilelus, partner at Paul’s Plumbing Ltd (416-759-7491) confirm that one of the main disadvantages of this system is that it doesn’t provide the necessary capacity for the needs of a typical family household.  For example, it is unlikely that a shower and dishwasher can be run simultaneously.  There is also an approximate 10-15 second delay before the water is heated sufficiently for use thereby increasing water waste.  Pricing for the unit itself is several times higher than a regular tank.  Gas units may require a larger gas line or additional venting and electric heaters draw more power (160,000 BTU vs 40,000 BTU’s for the traditional tank) thereby requiring multiple circuits and/or heavier cable all of which increase the installation costs by 2-4 times.  The energy savings is only maximized in a gas unit when the pilot light is kept off when the heater is not in use and in areas of the country where electrical rates include a peak demand charge, operation of the electrical unit can actually be more expensive than the typical hot water tank. 

The tankless system will be most effective for a home with 1-2 people requiring a limited hot water supply.  Unless a unit is installed at each faucet (with the associated higher costs), it is not a system that would be recommended for a large family home where showers, laundry and dishwashing is done simultaneously.

 Systems aside, the potential home improvements most effective for energy savings are:

• Reduce water heater temperature setting to 120 degrees (140 degrees for homes with an automatic dishwasher)
• Insulate water heater tank and pipes to reduce standby losses and maintain water temperature longer (for best results wrap both the cold and hot water pipes entering the tank and top and sides of tank down to the lower element)
• Install low flow showerheads and water flow restrictors on showers and faucets to reduce water use and cost
• Consider installing a heat recovery water heating system on existing a/c system
• Consider installing heat exchanger devices below showers which recapture approx. 60% of heat in the drain returning it to the water heater

 Energy usage and environmental impact are key elements when choosing a new water heating system.  The best advice is to calculate your hot water needs in order to determine which system will work best for your household while using the tips noted above to get the most out of whichever system you choose.

Debra Fenwick is an interior designer and LEED Accredited Professional working in the Toronto area .  

http://www.fenwickdesigngroup.com

Posted by CathyR

Eco-Friendly Building Materials

By Kelly Turnbull
Sacchidananda Design Solutions

There is no doubt about it; everyone wants to be more environmentally responsible. However, going green can be a little overwhelming. The best advice I can give is to pick your battles. You don’t have to save the world all at once.  Just a little bit can go a long way in creating a healthier home. When choosing eco friendly options for your home, here are a few guidelines to help you along;

Floors

To ensure dust and allergens are kept to a minimum, avoid fitted carpets and synthetic rugs. Consider canes and grasses such as Jute, Sisal, sea grass, hemp and rattan. Natural fibers such as silk, cotton and wool coloured with vegetable dyes are also an option, just be sure to use a natural fiber underlayment with them.
Other choices include natural cork, which is insulating and warm underfoot, bamboo which is beautiful and also renewable and sustainable resource, recycled rubber or linoleum flooring made from 100 per cent natural products including linseed oil, jute, resin, cork, limestone and wood flour (sawdust). Linoleum is also considered extremely durable and can be 100% recyclable.
If you love the look of hardwood, try using reclaimed lumber, smart wood or FSC approved hardwood.
Countertops
There are several gorgeous options for eco friendly countertops; Solid wood butcher block, such as maple, from responsibly managed forests, Marmoleum, which is a durable and eco- friendly linoleum, Concrete with at least a 30% fly ash content, which lowers production energy, Stainless steel made from salvaged or with recycled metal and surfaces made of recycled glass, reclaimed paper or a combination of bamboo fibers and paper.
If you plan on using natural or quarried stone such as slate, granite or marble, be sure avoid varnishes and sealants containing PVC.

If possible, consider refacing your current countertop – use water based VOC free spray refinisher over your existing arborite, wood or laminate counters to get them looking as good as new and keeping them out of the landfill.

Cabinets
The most significant source of UF (urea formaldehyde) emissions in the home basis come from the composite woods in our furnishings and cabinetry. Avoid traditional MDF and try solid wood from sustainably managed forests, plywood with flour based glues or particle board made of recycled and sustainable raw materials with low VOC adhesives.

Paint
Look for low VOC options and the “Green Seal” label. Darker the paint colour the more VOC’s, though Benjamin Moore has developed a new colourant system which does not add VOC’s with the addition of pigment. Oil paints become zero VOC after 3 days as opposed to standard latex paints.  If you’re really serious about zero emissions, try looking for recycled paint or using milk paint and adding your own pigment.
Fabrics and Upholstery
Use natural fabrics such as wool, cotton, linen, silk and bamboo fibers. Since many cotton and linen growers use pesticides, organic is best…a bonus if you can find products which have been naturally sun bleached.

And of course, recycle whenever possible during your home improvement projects – refinish existing pieces whenever possible or contact stores like the Habitat for humanity re-store, who will help keep your unwanted building materials out of landfills while helping raise money for less fortunate families.
Going green in your home doesn’t have to break the bank or create a compromise on style and comfort.  New environmentally sound technologies are emerging every day and the opportunities to make beautiful and responsible choices are everywhere. With a little research, you can have the gorgeous home you dreamed of and feel good about doing your part in taking care of the planet.

Posted by BrianS

Choices for Eco-Friendly blinds and shades

When I was at the HomeStars “Meet the Contractors” event a few weeks ago I had the pleasure of speaking with Ana Pilling from 4Blinds Inc. We began talking about new “eco-friendly” window coverings products and the increasing selection that’s available. In fact, it can be a bit overwhelming so choosing a product depends on your needs (ie.: decor, privacy, insulation…). I asked Ana if could write an article on the subject and she was kind enough to agree. Thank you Ana for your contribution to our blog.

SHADES OF GREEN

By Ana Pilling (co-owner of 4Blinds Inc.)

Making environmentally-conscious improvements to your home? Then don’t forget to include the products people will see from the street - your window coverings.

From earth-grown designer bamboo shades to the more energy-efficient air pockets of honeycombs, the choices are environmentally conscious and stylish too!

(more…)

Posted by CathyR

Finally! A one-stop shop for all your green building materials needs!

If you’re a green building fan like me, you’ve probably looked on enviously at Ottawa’s and Vancouver’s green building stores wondering why we here in Toronto don’t have the same thing. (Ottawa has “The Healthiest Home” and Vancouver has “Greenworks Building Supply“). But surprisingly nothing like those stores existed in Toronto — until now.

In July Green Design Studio opened its doors — and more or less a stampede through the gate followed. Catherine Bottoni, Green Design Studio’s Manager, told me that people have been coming in and saying “Finally I don’t have to traipse all over the city to track down the green products I’m looking for!” (Which of course also saves those nasty greenhouse gases.)

The store sells everything from dishware made from bamboo or recycled glass, furniture and bedding, through to flooring, carpeting, paints and tiles. They’ve also recently added design, renovation and build services.

Catherine said that they will be offering “lunch and learn” sessions where they will explain the benefits and uses of new products. Initially open to the trades only, eventually these sessions will also be open to the public.

In a follow-up post I’ll feature a few of the products Green Design Studio offers and what makes them green.

Posted by CathyR

Smart home automation systems promote energy efficiency

If you’ve ever dreamt of a smart home where your security, HVAC, audio and video systems were controllable at the touch of a button, Brack Electronics is one of the companies that does this work. Now, however, they’ve taken their system integration knowledge a step further and have made it possible to increase a home’s energy efficiency with their “green button.”

Some of the features of a “green automation system” are:

• Light dimming. Dimming lights by 25% will conserve 20% of your electricity), and extend bulb life.
• Electronic window shading. Sunshades will come down at preprogrammed times of the day, keeping south facing rooms cooler in the summer and providing insulation and warmth in the winter.
• The “green button” on the flat panel display provides an “away” button on the thermostat for lower settings than even your programmable thermostat provides
• Extend the life of a flat panel TV by lowering its “ISF calibration” and therefore, its electricity draw.

Naturally, installing a system such as this is best suited in a house that is either being newly constructed or undergoing a significant renovation.

For more information see their website: http://www.brackelectronics.com/

Posted by CathyR

Energy efficiency products for your home brought to you by Village Energy

At the Fall Home Show I met Jup Bhasin from Village Energy. Village Energy has all kinds of products that will help your home become more energy efficient — just in time for your winter heating bills. I thought I knew quite a bit about curbing energy bills, but after speaking with Jup, I realized my knowledge really only went as far as insulation and caulking.

Probably the coolest thing he showed me was the Redwell “infrared heater” that looks like a mirror, it also comes in a variety of pictures or even a chalkboard.  These heaters range in size and strength using between 270 and 1100 watts of electricity. The 1100 watt model will heat up to 365 square feet.

Infrared is a “new-to-me” space heating concept. Apparently it heats the objects in a room, which then retain the heat similar to radiant heating. So I guess it works more efficiently if you have more stuff in your room to retain the heat. You’re supposed to be able to keep your thermostat at a lower temperature (thereby using less heat). Jup says he just put a few in his mother’s house and they work like a charm. I could see that these would be great for cold basements, sunrooms and cottages.

Another interesting product were the Intellicon Fuel and Energy Economizers for central air conditioners, hot water heaters and furnaces. The most energy intensive part of running your furnace or air conditioner is the start up. The intellicon is a small computer that is connected to your furnace, central A/C or hot water heater. It keeps track of when the unit turns on and adjusts it so that it doesn’t turn on as often. The cost of the unit plus installation runs between $500-$600, but the manufacturer claims you’ll see a return on investment within 4 to 18 months.

The last thing Jup showed me was an Energy Recovery Ventilation box by Purifresh. It brings preheated fresh air in from outside which allows you to keep your windows closed (therefore no heat loss). It sits in your window like an air conditioner, uses heat from the room temperature stale air and transfers it to the cool outside, fresh air as it comes into the house. While it isn’t designed to lower your heating bills per se, because you don’t need to keep your windows open it prevents cold air from coming in while it helps improve indoor air quality.

Jup had all kinds of LED and CFL lighting options I didn’t even know existed on display. He said they can help any homeowner become more energy efficient without going through a major renovation.

Visit their website for more information on their products and services.

Posted by CathyR

Ecopods make a quick and easy low-impact retreat, guest cabin or artist’s studio

When I went to the Fall Home Show a few weeks ago, I came across some really interesting exhibits. One of the ones that got my attention was of the old shipping container turned living space. The idea behind Ecopods is to take empty shipping containers that are sitting around taking up space and turning them in to useable, practical shelters. I had the chance to speak with Dwight Doerksen, the owner of Ecopods and he filled me on some of the details.

Construction: The Ecopod’s dimensions are 8′x8′x20′. There are larger ones available, but portability is one of the benefits of this size. The material is Corten steel which contains a natural rust inhibitor so the integrity of the box stays in tact. One of the long sides of the box is cut out and replaced with double-glazed thermal paned glass window and sliding door. The “cut-out” becomes a deck which is reattached to the box with custom hinges to make a deck. As Dwight says:

…you can close the deck by flipping the electrical panel switch to supply the power to the 12 volt winch and the door closes by means of a handheld remote control. It takes about a minute to close and with the back doors locked, the pod is again returned to the form and strength of the original container. There is no conventionally-constructed building on the market that can compare to the strength and durability of the Ecopod.

The Ecopod is insulated using a new soya-based insulation which is impervious to moisture (insulation was provided by Avenue Insulation). The walls are panneled in birch veneer, the floor and deck are covered with a recycled rubber flooring which is also water resistant.

Self-sufficiency: The Ecopod was designed to be a self-containted off-grid unit. One 80 Watt solar panel  and 12 Volt battery are included in the basic model, and can power lighting, a computer and even a small fridge.  There is a satellite radio and speakers hardwired into the unit as well.

Ordering time, delivery and set-up: If ordered now, the Ecopod would be available for delivery by Spring 2009. Cost for the basic model runs at just under $42,000, with delivery being extra. Installation or set up is quick and easy provided the ground is level. The unit sits on four concrete pads.

Dwight told me that the containers are a bit like large Lego blocks and can be stacked or put together side by side or facing each other so that one might be out-fitted as a sitting area and another a bedroom.

Posted by CathyR

freegreen.com has free home plans you can download — really!

The other day I was reading my usual rss feeds when I came across one I had to share with Homestars users. A new website called http://www.freegreen.com/ offers free downloadable house designs. Since we here at Homestars.com have a similar, “free to the consumer” business model, we think this is one great site and one great idea! At the moment there are only two designs available but the site is still very young. The picture is their 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath standard family home. Why “green” in the title? Because the house plans are energy efficient, “green” home designs. As they say on their website:

“Green” means different things to different people. What is important is that as a society we are constantly improving our building culture. The goal at FreeGreen is not to produce the “greenest” possible home but rather to provide a variety of different home plans that allow people to create homes that fit their lifestyles in a responsible and equitable manner.

As their website grows and more homes plans become available it will be a boon to those looking to build. This site is also great for builders looking to get into green home building. There is information on each product recommended for each plan. You can save product info in “My Favorites” section and refer back to it later.

::free green via ::inhabitat via ::treehugger.com

Posted by CathyR

Federal and Provincial Renewable Energy Grants and Rebates

With gas at $1.20/litre, I have become very conscious of how much I drive, and in this incredibly great weather, it’s been easy to leave the car at home to do some of my errands. The price of gas and diesel have increased so rapidly in the last few months that it can be difficult for us to adapt to them. Rising prices affect the cost of the food as well as heating and cooling our homes. If gas prices continue to rise — and they’re supposed to — certain kinds of renewable energy sources will become more cost effective than they are now.

The federal and provincial government offer grants and rebates of varying degrees for your alternative energy equipment. At the municipal level, the city is supporting a Solar Thermal Project in South Riverdale scheduled for next month called the Toronto Solar Neighbourhood Initiative.

If you’re looking for a supplier and installer of solar panels, wind turbines or geo-thermal equipment, the Green Living Show runs from April 25-27th at Exhibition Place.

Posted by CathyR

homemade all-purpose cleaners

I know a couple who decided to get rid of all those harsh chemical cleansers we’ve grown up with because they were just about to have their first child. They switched to the microfiber cloths that are available for almost every surface. The cloths are safe, relatively effective, and best of all, avoid putting more harsh chemicals into our water system. Only, here’s the problem: After using the microfiber cloth system for a month or so, one of the things the couple realized that they missed, was the smell of clean. When they walked into their house, there was no difference in smell and yet they’d worked hard cleaning the place. They needed something to show for it. Most of us would agree that a fresh scent in the air in a newly cleaned house is part of the pay off for cleaning it, regardless of whether we do it ourselves or pay someone else to do it.

My friend and counterpart in Boston, Melanie Zoltan, has her own recipe for a non-chemical all-purpose cleaner because she and one of her kids have a sensitivity to chemicals. Her homemade all purpose cleaner solves two problems: the first is that it cleans without chemicals, and the second is that if you use lavender oil, it leaves a really nice fresh scent behind.

Melanie’s Homemade All Purpose Cleaner:
12 oz. COLD water (warm water will make the soap foam too much)
2-3 oz. white vinegar
10-12 drops of Tea Tree oil or Lavender oil
1 tbsp. Murphy’s Oil Soap
Combine in a spray bottle, shake, and use! Lavender smells MUCH better than tea tree oil, but tea tree oil has antibacterial AND antifungal properties, so if mould-fighting is a concern, tea tree oil is better.

Looking for a cleaning service? Check out Homestars to find one. Many of them let you provide your cleaning supplies, it costs less that way too, and some even use “green” cleaning supplies.

Posted by CathyR