On Demand Tankless Water Heaters

By Amy Fischbach, from EcoHome

It’s no wonder tankless water heaters are becoming a staple of green building. Unlike tank-type water heaters that keep gallons of water at usable temperatures 24/7, tankless heaters provide hot water on demand, saving energy and money. In fact, the Department of Energy estimates that tankless water heaters can be 24% to 34% more efficient than tank units. According to Jack Banker, manager of tankless sales for Rheem, homeowners can save about 20% to 25% on their heating bills.

This technology isn’t new—it’s been in use in Europe, South America, and Asia for decades—but the units have only recently begun to gain traction in the United States as Americans look to cut energy costs. Technology is catching up with demand, too, as vendors are responding with whole-house tankless systems that offer capabilities beyond the capacity of early point-of-use units.

Efficient Options

The basic operation of tankless water heaters is fairly straightforward: When someone opens the hot side of a fixture, water flows into the tankless unit and past a sensor that triggers the heater to bring the water to a pre-set temperature for delivery to the fixture. The quick recovery rates on tankless water heaters allow them to operate on demand, and as long as that fixture is asking for hot water, the tankless unit will continue to heat and deliver it.

Not long ago, availability of tankless units was limited to small-capacity point-of-use systems, which would only provide enough hot water for the location where it was installed, such as a for a bathroom or kitchen sink. Now the majority of manufacturers offer whole-house systems, which can provide enough hot water for large homes with multiple bathrooms. As a result, the tankless water heater industry has grown on average about 25% per year since 1999, says Mat Katz, retail marketing manager for Bosch.

Over the years, vendors of tankless water heater units have improved their products’ performance by merging gas condensing and tankless technology, adding direct-vent technology, and integrating temperature and carbon dioxide sensors. In addition, the units have gotten more compact and more efficient.

The efficiency of tankless water heaters depends on a variety of factors, including the design and the fuel source. Gas units are about 80% to 85% efficient because residue heat is lost through the vent pipe, while electric units are nearly 100% efficient because they convert almost all the electrical energy they consume into heat. However, some homeowners prefer gas tankless water heaters because they are said to heat water more quickly. (A common complaint of tankless technology is that users must wait a few seconds for the ambient-temperature water to be expelled, the temperature to rise to the set point, and the hot water to flow through the sensor. Some vendors are circumventing this problem by allowing their systems to be installed with a circulating pump.)

Whether the best option is to go with a gas or an electric tankless water heater also depends on fuel prices and availability of natural gas in a particular area. The desired location of the tankless water heater plays a role as well. Electric tankless water heaters can be installed closer to the point of use, even for whole-house models, which can reduce the wait time for hot water; a gas unit must be installed where it can be connected to a gas line and vented outdoors. Some of these gas units offer direct-vent technology, which pulls combustion air from outside the home and discharges it through an outside vent. As a result, the tankless water heater unit isn’t discharging conditioned air from inside a home to the outdoors.

A range of capacities is available for both gas and electric models. Some units are designed for homes with multiple bathrooms, while others are suitable for smaller homes with a single shower.  All of that efficiency, however, comes at a price. Banker estimates that most tankless water heaters cost two to two-and-a-half times more than a traditional tank model. Federal and local tax incentives and rebates, along with incentives available from many utilities, can help offset the sticker shock.  While the return on investment depends heavily on water usage and energy prices, homeowners can expect to recoup their initial investment in about four to six years. In addition, the life span of a tankless water heater is two to three times longer than a traditional water heater.

Why waste watts when you’re away? Send your home appliances on vacation, too.

Article from Portland General Electric

Before you leave on vacation, take a few minutes to turn off and unplug equipment. You’ll save energy and avoid safety hazards. You might want to read your meter before you leave and when you return — it’s a good way to spot any hidden energy wasters.

What to unplug, turn off or turn down before leaving

• Lights: Turn off all lights except for one or two fitted with compact fluorescent bulbs. Put these lights on timers that can be set to random patterns to discourage potential prowlers. Photo sensors or motion detectors are good ideas for outdoor lights.
• Air conditioning: Turn it off. Close window coverings to help keep heat from building up in your home while you’re away.
• Heating: Turn it off. (If it’s very cold outside, however, and you’re worried about pipes freezing, let your faucets drip and just lower your heat to 55 degrees instead of turning it off completely.)
• Water heater: Turn off your water heater at the electric breaker panel if you are going to be away for more than a few days. If it is a natural gas water heater, turn it down but not off.
• Refrigerator: If you’re leaving on an extended trip of a month or more, you might want to empty, clean and unplug your refrigerator to save energy. Prop the door open to prevent odors.
• Other appliances: Many appliances draw energy even when they’re turned off. So, unplug your television, VCR/DVD player, stereo computer, washer and other appliances. You may need to reset the clock on VCR/DVD players or clock radios when you return. For safety’s sake, don’t overlook small appliances that are best left unplugged when unattended — items like toasters, coffee makers, irons, curling irons, hair dryers and electric tools.

Happy 4th of July!!

Don’t forget there will be no Fort Vancouver fireworks show this year. If you need an alternative location to get your yearly fireworks fix click here for a list of all the local fireworks displays.

Hope you have a happy and safe 4th of July!

Did you know: Robert G. Heft is a designer of the 50-star flag for the United States of America. He spent his childhood in Lancaster, Ohio, where he created the flag as a school project.

He designed the current U.S. flag in 1958 while living with his grandparents. He was 17 years old at the time and did the flag design as a class project. He unstitched the blue field from a family 48-star flag, sewed in a new field, and used iron-on white fabric to add 100 hand-cut stars, 50 on each side of the blue canton.

He originally received a “B-” for the project. After discussing the grade with his high school teacher, Stanley Pratt, it was agreed that if the flag was accepted by Congress, the grade would be reconsidered. Heft’s flag design was chosen and adopted by presidential proclamation after Alaska and before Hawaii was admitted into the union in 1959. According to Heft, his teacher did keep to their agreement and changed his grade to an “A” for the project.

Before and After: English Arts and Crafts Dream

After

Before

 

COOPER Designbuilders
Phone: 503-282-0545
www.cooperdesignbuilders.com

 

This West Linn house was completely transformed from an existing 2780 square feet one-story ranch with a daylight basement into an exquisite 4414 square footage English Arts and Crafts dream home.   

We removed the main floor and built two new floors on top of the existing basement.  The entry has an old world tile mosaic inlaid in Brazilian cherry hardwood floors below a glass coup chandelier. Art niches move the eye down the hall into the great room where two-story windows flood the room with light. At the fireplace small rectangular slate mosaic tiles are interspersed with opaque glass in shades of grey, green, and rust.

Wood columns atop double-sided cabinetry create an entrance from the great room into the dining area where another wall of windows captures the incredible view. A nine-foot cherry island used for seating, serving, and cooking separates the dining room from the large, well-appointed gourmet kitchen. Subtle cream colored subway tiles accented with a green opaque glass tile liner form the backsplash between cherry cabinets and antique honed black granite. 

Two-master suites, one on each floor, focus on individual comfort and personal aesthetic. The main floor master bath has a neo-classical touch with a modern interpretation, while the second floor master bath is contemporary and minimal.

The basement includes a family room, laundry/craft room, two bedrooms, and a sunroom surrounded by glass. Tile, a main feature in this home, is at its most creative in the basement bath. Multi-sized, multi-colored circles are set in linear strips within travertine tile. This pattern is carried throughout the room at the vanity backsplash, dog wash, and in the shower.

While stately in scope, the whimsical nature of the design lends an entirely unique quality to this superb home.

How to Evaluate Doors for Repair or Replacement

Article from Jeld-Wen.com

1. Examine Doors and Frames
Start by closely inspecting all six sides of the door, the frame and how well they are attached. Does the door stick? If so, the frame could be out of alignment, or moisture might have entered the door and changed its shape. Moisture is a door’s worst enemy, causing swelling, cracking and warping over time.

For wood doors, make sure the door is adequately finished on all six sides. Check for signs of finish failure, an indication that restoration is needed. Dulling of the finish, a whitish cast on the door’s surface, raised grain or checking, dark streaks forming at the bottom of the door or panels, flaking top coat, extreme discoloration or fading of the wood are all signs that a door needs to be refinished. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions.

JELD-WEN experts say it’s important to remember that wood doors will adjust to their climate during the first year they are installed. During that time, changes and some degree of movement are normal. But for badly warped doors that have been in this condition for more than one year, consider a replacement door system that holds up against moisture, such as one made of fiberglass, steel or wood like JELD-WEN® AuraLast®, the worry free wood®, guaranteed to resist decay and termites for 20 years.

2. Determine Energy Efficiency
Front doors and patio doors are extremely important to overall energy efficiency. If exterior doors are drafty at the sides or top, but otherwise satisfactory, a simple weatherstrip replacement may suffice.

If your goal is to minimize energy costs and install the most efficient door possible, shop for replacement door systems that are ENERGY STAR qualified and feature cores designed for energy efficiency, like JELD-WEN® Premium Fiberglass or Custom Fiberglass exterior doors.

3. Consider Security
As with windows, start by evaluating the lockset. Make sure it’s easy to use and offers sufficiently strong protection against break-ins. Other low-cost security measures for exterior doors might include installing a kick plate and adequate lighting. Storms are also a threat to the home’s security. The most secure replacement doors will come with impact and design pressure (DP) ratings, indicating how well the door will stand up to a storm.

4. Select the Right Material
Recent developments in manufacturing technology have expanded the range of materials used for exterior doors. Increasingly popular, fiberglass doors can now achieve the look and feel of wood to a remarkable degree, yet are more durable than steel. Fiberglass is also a good choice for doors that must stand up to extremely sunny, dry or wet conditions. With new types of engineered wood and better warranties, wood is practical as well as popular in many parts of the country, especially for remodelers who want to upgrade the curb appeal of a home with a custom wood entry door. If you select a wood door, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions for the proper overhang and maintenance requirements. Steel remains widely available and affordable.

Early Bird discount on NW Natural Street of Dreams tickets

Tickets are on sale now for the 2009 NW Natural Street of Dreams at www.streetofdreamspdx.com and early birds will receive a $2 discount on tickets purchased now through July 15. Prices are $15 (peak times), $13 (non-peak times), and $10 for children 10 and under. Type in 2off in the discount code box on the website to receive your discount.  For information about bulk ticket discounts, contact the HBA at 503-684-1880.

Before and After: Revitalized Mid-Century Home

After

Before

 

Oregon Home Renovations
Phone: 503-772-4663
www.oregonhomerenovations.com

 

A Mid-Century Modern home in Lake Oswego that was once applauded for cutting-edge extras like “city water” and “built-in appliances” in the 1959 Parade of Homes has come a long way. Fifty years ago, the Mid-Century Modern style aimed to focus on hope for the future rather than to dwell on the past. For the family, the concept couldn’t ring more true. With two kids in college and one college-bound, the family tapped Mark Hylland of Oregon Home Renovations to redesign and remodel the home to meet its soon-to-change lifestyle – empty nesters ready to party.

Opening up the compartmentalized design of the classic daylight ranch made way for combining the kitchen, living room and dining room into one dramatic space. And, expanding the dining area by 80 square feet created all-new possibilities to amplify the original promise of “built-in appliances.” Three countertop materials, quartz, granite and marble, blend to make cooking a culinary dream. True to the Modernist style, the open floor plan provides an impressive view of a sweeping back deck and lush landscaping surrounding an in-ground pool – accessible through dramatic Anderson converging sliding doors. With a new master suite that opens onto the deck overlooking the pool, the parents also enjoy the view from their private bedroom.

To complete the home’s amenities, Hylland created a handcrafted, built-in entertainment center in the basement to accommodate a wide-screen TV and converted an unfinished space into a laundry room. Honoring the home’s original Modernist style, Oregon Home Renovations accomplished a seamless blend of past, present and future. Fifty years since being showcased in the Parade of Homes, the home is now ready to take on the next century.

Old House Fair

How to Evaluate Windows for Repair or Replacement

Article from Jeld-Wen.com

1. Examine Wood Windows
If your wood window simply shows signs of wear and tear or exposure, such as cracked paint, but operates normally, then it’s likely time to refinish according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If your window shows signs of seal failure between the glass panes, severe warping due to moisture or wood decay, then it’s time to replace. Window replacement is one of the top three projects for improving a home’s curb appeal. JELD-WEN offers energy efficient sash replacement kits for existing wood windows with frames that are still in good shape. For complete replacements, investigate solutions like affordable Builders Clad-Wood Windows.

2. Determine Energy Efficiency
Classic signs of inefficient windows include condensation, drafts and warped frames due to infiltration of moisture. If energy efficiency is the top priority or water infiltration is an issue, the best choice is to replace poorly performing windows and patio doors with ENERGY STAR® qualified windows. 

JELD-WEN advises consumers to calculate energy savings over the life of the windows. When replacing single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR qualified windows, homeowners can save $125 to $340 a year, depending on the climate. One recent industry study estimated homeowners recoup an average of 83 to 85 percent of the cost of window replacements in resale value. The investment return and energy savings add up to a compelling reason for replacement.

Replacing old wood and aluminum windows has become much easier lately. Manufacturers like JELD-WEN offer ENERGY STAR qualified replacement windows in a variety of styles that slide into the wall and cover up the old window frames with minimal disruption to siding and stucco. To be sure replacement products are energy efficient, look for the ENERGY STAR label. For more information, visit www.energystar.gov.

3. Consider Security
First, define what security means for you. Are you referring to windows that lock and help prevent burglary? Or does security mean windows that help protect the structure from wind-borne debris during storms? Manufacturers offer solutions on both fronts. First, consider window locks that are ergonomic, sleek and can only be seen from the inside, like WEN-Lock TM from JELD-WEN. For storm protection, a new generation of laminated, impact-resistant glass is designed to stay intact even if struck by heavy debris. Products like JELD-WEN® ImpactGard TM technology help secure the structure from damaging pressure during a storm.

4. Select the Right Material
Vinyl is by far the most popular material for replacement windows, due to its easy installation, low-maintenance qualities and durability. Choose vinyl if your goals include affordable windows that are easy to clean and highly energy efficient. Choose wood replacement windows if your goal is to match types of wood throughout the home or coordinate painted interiors or exteriors. Wood windows offer a greater degree of customization, with the same energy efficiency capabilities.

Before and After: Reconfigured 1950’s Home

After

Before

Leitner Construction
www.leitnerconstruction.com
503-491-9552 

After 3.5 years of living in their 1950’s mid-century home with an enclosed dysfunctional galley kitchen, lack of true entertaining space and underutilized alcove in the living room, the homeowners knew it was time to make some dramatic changes. They also recognized the value of bringing the right design and construction team together to reach their goals. 

They chose Leitner Construction, Inc. and Paolo Design Group to take on the task. The designer first needed to tackle “his and her” opposing visions for the remodel. He wanted a traditional aesthetic and she longed for a modern no-clutter look. After exploring the existing kitchen footprint for potential, it was clear that the wall separating the kitchen from the rest of the house could be removed to make way for a new design with a Great Room appeal.

A new garden window increased the visual connection to the beautiful back yard. The new kitchen island was strategically oriented toward the living and dining areas for fluid entertaining. New cabinetry was added to the unused alcove space. Additional counter space was achieved by capturing the existing “wooden dining booth.” Sapelle Mahogany cabinetry, engineered quartz countertops, and porcelain ceramic tile floors and backsplash dressed up the space creating clean lines and bringing “his and her” visions together. 

A “chef zone” and “public zone” for guests to relax free-and-clear from cooking activities were created by the new kitchen island. The desire for cooking and entertaining was reinvigorated by putting everything within arms reach.    Now the entire family, including Bailey their Labrador, is amazed by the transformation from Mid-Century to New-Century. The remodel changed their day-to-day life by creating one contiguous space for spending quality time together.