Dec 5 2006
In an aggressive move to reach their water conservation goals, many cities around the country are requiring the use of hot water recirculation systems in the construction of new homes. Laing Thermotech's energy-efficient instant hot water recirculation pumps are being endorsed as a solution by a number of municipalities and water districts.
"We are delighted to see the support that our recirculation pumps are receiving from local city and government agencies," Laing's CEO, Scott S. Shimer. "Their support really validates the value our products bring to the community."
Increasingly, U.S. communities are mandating recirculation systems to save water and energy. For example, the city of Fontana, Calif. has modified its plumbing code to require hot water recirculation on all new construction. The adjustment resulted because of the city's failure to meet its water conservation goals using low-flush toilets and low-flow showerheads -- drawing heavy penalties from the state. The amendment to the Fontana Plumbing Code appears in Article IV, Section 8-7 (b) and states:
"(b) UPS Chapter 10, Water Distribution, shall be amended by adding a sentence to Section 1001 Running Water Required…as follows:
Section 1001: All dwelling units shall be provided with an approved recirculating hot water system, and all hot water piping connected to that system must be insulated with a minimum of R-3 insulation around the piping material, throughout the recirculating hot water system."
Likewise, Oceanside, Calif. requires that hot water recirculation systems be installed in all new construction. Cambria, Calif. takes it a step further. It also mandates hot water recirculation pumps for existing homes and helps cover the cost of the system.
The same trend is also at work elsewhere in the country. The Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters now require hot water recirculation systems. Plumbing codes for Reno/Sparks, Nev. mandate recirculation on all new construction. And some municipalities and water districts are in the planning phase of implementing a hot water recirculation program, including San Diego and Templeton, Calif.; Peoria and Glendale, Ariz.; San Antonia and Austin, TX.
Other cities are offering financial incentives to encourage builders/developers to improve the water efficiency of their new homes. For instance, builders in Denver can receive an $85 rebate for installing a domestic hot water recirculation system. A $100 rebate is given in Albuquerque, N.M; Goodyear, Ariz.; and El Paso, TX. for the installation of a Laing Autocirc® system or conventional recirculation system.
"Laing is the recognized leader in hot water circulation systems, and has received the stamp of approval from many areas," Shimer said.
Laing created the first practical do-it-yourself instant hot water circulation system. The company offers a variety of low-energy-consumption, fractional-horsepower pumps for residential, solar and industrial use.
Hot water recirculation pumps from Laing are designed to not only give homeowners instant hot water in their home, but they help conserve energy and water. In fact, consumers can save nearly $300 a year using the Autocirc System with an electric water heater, according to an independent study by consulting mechanical engineers Edward Saltzberg and Associates. The system costs less than 10 cents a day to operate and can save enough energy to pay for itself in less than two years.
Laing' offers the Autocirc System for retrofit applications and the UltraCirc®. for new construction. These user-friendly products are available from local plumbers and most home improvement stores and can easily be installed by a plumber or even the homeowner.