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Figure volts amps watts for water heater | 9 Ways to save with a water heater | Do-it-yourself |
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How
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water heater |
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![]() See larger image Re-think home layout so hot water usage points are clustered near water heater. Locate showers and baths next to water heater, while toilets that use no hot water can be farther away. Avoid over-sized bathtubs that require a bigger water heater. |
Passive
solar heater is any water container
exposed to sun. Here is one example: a bare tank is placed in plywood box that faces sun > buy old 40 gallon electric tank from plumber and remove outer shell > remove sediment, flush tank with two pints diluted hydrogen peroxide Read more, replace anode rod Read how > tank and plywood are painted black to absorb heat; piece of clear glass is placed over box; box is insulated >> put drain hole in bottom of box to release condensation > 40 gallon tank + water + plywood weighs 460 lbs >> put expansion tank on incoming cold water line > > temps are too high for plastic pipe > electrically ground tank and copper pipes using #6 copper wire > insulate pipes > design project so cleaning and maintenance are easy. End of sunny day, you have 40 gallons hot water >
or more if you put
2-40's in series >>> hot water cools quickly
but lasts until early
evening > put insulation over glass when sun goes down >
115V
element put on switch can keep water warmer longer and prevent freezing
in winter > shower uses 5-9
gallons of hot water > bath uses 12-15 gallons hot >
once you start
using hot water, cold water enters tank so take all baths-showers in
succession
> for morning hot water, put 115V 2.5 gallon or 6
gallon under
sink > connect under-sink heater to light switch or timer
> reducing
consumption and planning are key. Planning makes solar into everyday money & energy saver. For more ideas: See long list of DIY solar water heat ideas.
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| Other ideas: For more ideas: See long list of DIY solar water heat ideas. ![]() José Alano solar collector made from water bottles |
![]() Solar heaters in Middle East use collection panels Buildings in background have solar electric panels on roof |
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