Most Energy Efficient Hot Tubs

The final thing you need to worry about when lounging in your spa is that the cost to run it. Most new hot tubs strive for energy efficiency, but maybe not all of hot tubs are constructed the same. When looking for the most energy efficient spa available on the current market, find out more about the materials and methods of construction. If you purchase a spa with two pumps instead of one, though it may cost more in the beginning, you are able to reap the benefits on its own energy usage over time.

Energy Efficient Components

The primary components of a hot tub that affect its energy efficiency begin with filtration, the pump valve and system, and end with construction, shell insulating material and whether the spa has a cover. Since warm tubs sit unused for the vast majority of the moment, the costs to keep up the heat, even if not in use, directly influences its energy efficiency. Start looking for hot tubs that satisfy the American National Standard for Residential Swimming Pools to guarantee energy efficient electrical parts in the spa. Hot tubs that use LED light and programmable controls cost less to operate.

Two Pumps Better Than 1

A spa that provides two pumps originally costs more to purchase, but costs less to operate than a spa with a two-speed pump. By using a low wattage pump only for water flow, and a separate pump for your jet system, an operator can lower the monthly costs of operation since the jet system simply works by turning it on to be used. A two-speed pump motor runs the energy bill up due to the higher electrical drain on pump. Additionally, start looking for a spa that delivers an economy mode setting for heating when not in use. Some spa systems also spend the pump heating exhaust and use it to heat the water and decrease energy consumption.

Insulation and Construction

Hot tubs constructed with conductive polyurethane foam keep the heat in the bathtub rather than let it escape. The identical foam used to insulate commercial freezers, this high-density foam affects the hot tub general energy efficiency. A fully insulated spa operates more effectively than one with insulation in only a couple of places. Hot tubs without full insulation and sealed covers permit energy to escape, which raises monthly operating costs, especially when installed in colder climates.

Other Ways to Conserve

Don’t overheat your own body, as a couple of degrees can make a major difference on your electric bill. A spa that has a cushioned heating thermostat allows you to place the warmth if you need it and also reduces energy intake if you do not. With the addition of a layer of floating insulating material beneath the water and beneath the cover reduces evaporation and retains the heat in the bathtub. Regularly clean or replace worn-out filters as dirty filters create pumps and heaters work more difficult. When you put in a spa outside of the Bay Area in California, such as in a region with extreme weather conditions, put the hot tub in a gazebo or outside construction to raise its efficiency.

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Old Toilets vs. New

The largest difference between older toilets and also the models available today is the total amount of water that they use. Toilets manufactured after 1992 need less than half as much water per use as many older units, while providing a much better flush and new convenience features. For the best choices in toilets, look for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense tag, which will help you save money on your water and sewage bills but also point you to models that meet some high performance standards.

Flushing History

Household baths made between 1980 and 1992 flushed the bowl using the gravitational force of 2.5 to 3.6 gallons of water, which meant that the average homeowner used up to 18.8 gallons of water each day. A bathroom manufactured before 1980 may use 5 to 8 gallons per flush (gpf), which means that all the house’s residents may be flushing 48 gallons of water down the drain each day. By contrast, a bathroom built to 1992 standards utilizes 1.6 gpf, along with the average flusher uses approximately 9.1 gallons of water each day.

WaterSense and Sensibility

Ancient models of water-conserving toilets didn’t always work nicely. When creating the WaterSense tag, the EPA included some important performance benchmarks so consumers could trust these water-saving models also completed at least as well as the older toilets they would replace. Before toilets can earn the WaterSense tag, they’re rigorously tested to confirm they utilize 1.28 gpf or less, and to confirm that they completely flush solid waste cleanly and effectively.

Looking Under The Lid

Old fashioned toilets relied on a simple valve and flapper mechanics due to their 3.6 gallon flush. Today’s toilets have been re-engineered to create a much better flush with water. That is as straightforward as rerouting the water’s swirl patter in the bowl to boost its cleaning speed. Other models have eliminated the valve and flapper combo in favor of an internal bucket that’s dumped all at once to create increased force. Additionally, there are vacuum-assisted and pressure-assisted models that supplement gravity by forcing water aggressively through the bowl. Dual-flush toilets use two buttons so that users can pick a low-volume flush for a greater quantity flush for solids.

Added Features

Automatic flushing has made its way from the industrial bathroom to the residential, and also the narrower handicapped-accessible models used in public restrooms are now commonly available as well. Luxurious features include built-in air fresheners and automatic bowl cleansing. Other features might seem extravagant, like integrated seats that automatically lower and raise, a built-in night light, and remote-control bidet and seat heating. Health-oriented toilets can automatically quantify key diagnostic metrics including blood pressure and fever.

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