Other Green Options
Maeser technicians pride themselves on providing sound advice and feasible solutions to all customers. Here are a few additional ways you can help your house become more green, and ultimately save yourself some cash! Give us a call to find out which of these solutions may work for your home!
WATER RECIRCULATION
An average household takes four showers per day. Thousands of gallons of water are wasted while each of those people waits for the water to heat up. Hot Water Recirculation (HWR) pumps are a good solution to this problem because they constantly circulate hot water through the pipes from the heater to the furthest fixture. The water in the pipes stay hot, and no water is wasted during the wait.
How a HWR pump works:
HWR pumps attach to the water heater through the hot water pipe. A return line is installed near the faucet farthest from the water heater and connected to the UP 15 series pump. As water slowly cools in the hot water line, the UP 15 series recirculation pump then moves the hot water from the heater throughout the pipe back to the heater, creating a continuous loop of slow-moving warm water.
In an average new home, HWR systems typically cost less than $1,000. It’s a highly effective green solution with a relatively low upfront cost.
ULTRA LOW-FLOW TOILETS
In 1995, the National Energy Policy Act mandated the use of toilets that use no more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush. Since then, low-flow toilets have been developed and saved substantial amounts of water. This new technology will not only reduce your utility bill, but also the amount of available fresh water used per flush. It is estimated that low-flow toilets alone could save up to 22,000 gallons of water per year for a family of four.
Maeser can help you find and install these units, and start saving money on your water bill this year. Don’t flush away any more of your well-earned green!
ENERGY-EFFICIENT FURNACES AND HEAT PUMPS
Compared to the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of older furnaces and heat pumps, an energy-efficient model is 97% more efficient. Because of their increased efficiency, you are guaranteed to use less energy. This helps conserve natural resources and every month, will reduce not only harmful environmental emissions, but also your utility bill.
Any extra cost associated with purchasing a condensing gas furnace will be quickly recovered through energy savings. For example, a homeowner with an older model could save about $300 a year by switching. And, if you purchase an energy-efficient furnace or heat pump for your home, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit!
HYBRID HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS
Hybrid heating and cooling systems are an energy-saving solution that provides comfort in your home. Maeser can help sift through the information clutter and provide a smart, cost-effective system from top manufacturers. You'll be pleased with the year-round energy savings!
How a hybrid system works:
A hybrid HVAC system brings together two fuel sources for flexible, efficient heating and cooling. Most include a gas furnace and an electric heat pump, with installer-calibrated controls that switch back-and-forth, based on which is the most economical.
