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.
GE Hybrid Electric Water Heater, Auburn, Grass Valley Read More »
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.”
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs–Are They Worth It? Read More »
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.
Save Energy With A Low flow Showerhead Read More »
Many homeowners wait until their water heater fails before shopping for a replacement. Because they are in a hurry to regain their hot water supply, they are often unable to take the time to shop for the most energy efficient unit for their specific needs. This is unfortunate, because the cost of purchasing and operating a water heater can vary greatly, depending on the type, brand, and model selected and on the quality of the installation.
Within the last few years, a variety of water heaters have become available to consumers. The following types of water heaters are now on the market: conventional storage, demand, heat pump, tankless coil, indirect, and solar (in our Energy section). It is also possible to purchase water heaters that can be connected to your home’s space heating system.
Water Heating Solutions, Save Energy in California Read More »
Andrew twidwell, the owner of ABT Plumbing, Electric, Heat & Air in Grass Valley, Ca, said the hot sun is heating up underground pipes. He said homes with plumbing in the attic will likely have even warmer water.
Free Heat For Hot Water, Grass Valley Read More »
IS CENTRAL AIR FREEZING YOUR ASSETS?
If you’ve gotten sticker shock from your latest electric bill, you may already suspect that Americans spend more than $22 billion a year on electricity to cool their homes with air conditioning — and use a whopping 183 billion kilowatt-hours, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That accounts for at least 15% of all energy used in some homes, and in warmer climates can represent up to 70% of your summer electric bill.
Here’s another way of looking at it: While a floor fan uses only 100 watts on the highest speed, and ceiling fans use only 15 to 95 watts depending on speed and size, a window unit AC uses 500 to 1440 watts — and a 2.5-ton central system uses about 3500 watts. That’s a massive amount of energy and suggests that if you’re using air conditioners alone to cool your home, you’re not thinking in economic or environmental terms.
Saving Money During The Hot Auburn Summer. Read More »
