2002 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings

2002 ACEEE Informal Sessions Descriptions

Designing "Structured Plumbing" in residential homes and small commercial buildings can maximize convenience and minimize the waste of energy and water plus reduce air pollution. Current residential building practice ignores the losses of energy and water caused by the poor design of hot water distribution systems. Over the last 30 years trends have developed that now appear to be counter productive. These trends dramatically reduce the facer velocity of the water, increasing heat loss and delivery time. In addition,water heaters are usually not centrally located and hot water pipes are un-insulated. The wasted water is costly, adding 15-25 percent to monthly water heating cost "Structured Plumbing" is a design concept to improve both energy efficiency and save water.

For more information, contact:

Larry Acker
ACT, Inc. Metlund Systems
e-mail: larry@gothotwater.com

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