Category Archives: Saving Energy

GE Hybrid Electric Water Heater, Auburn, Grass Valley

How does it work?
A compressor and evaporator are integrated into the electric water heater unit and the evaporator draws in ambient heat from surrounding air using two variable speed fans. Condenser coils wrap the tank all the way to the bottom to transfer this heat into the tank and heat the water.
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Compact Fluorescent Bulbs–Are They Worth It?

Are Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs really Worth the Hype?

ABT Sheds Light on Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

We at ABT Plumbing, Electric, Heat & Air are committed to helping Nevada County residents make their homes more “Energy Efficient and Environmentally Conscious.” As a part of this commitment, our Office is helping utility ratepayers identify products and services they can use to help combat rising energy costs and the push to make their Grass Valley homes more energy efficient. While there are a number of costly home improvements such as solar roof paneling or replacing all of your home appliances with Energy Star products, there are also less costly energy saving options that are available. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Lighting accounts for close to 20 percent of the average home’s electric bill.” So we at ABT have decided that it’s time to “shed some light on energy efficient light bulbs.”

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Save Energy With A Low flow Showerhead

Low-flow showerheads slash bathing water consumption 50 to 70%. You’ll also use less energy heating up the water, unless you have a tankless heat system, in which case it’s a moot point. Letting your faucet run for five minutes uses as much energy as it takes to keep a 60-watt lightbulb lit for 14 hours, according to the EPA.

Low-flow showerheads are simple to install and start around $25. Many styles and features are available, including flow-adjusting dials and a pause button, which allows you to break for a bit of lathering up, then return to the same temperature and pressure. The EPA is currently developing efficiency standards for the devices through its WaterSense program.
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