Can chemical additives in heating water save energy?
Manufacturers of additives or liquids that are intended to completely replace heating water sometimes promise enormous energy savings. Can that be true? “In the vast majority of heating systems, chemical additives or replacement fluids are unnecessary, and they do not save energy,” says Tina Götsch, an energy advice expert at the Baden-Württemberg Consumer Center.
In addition, such miracle cures are usually expensive. Owners of a single-family home usually have to expect a four-figure amount for the additions. And that with doubtful benefits.
The heat loss of the building and the temperatures in the heating system are decisive for energy consumption when heating. Heat losses from the heating system can be kept low by limiting temperatures and insulating the heating pipes well. With oil and gas boilers, the waste heat via the chimney also plays a role. It doesn't matter which liquid circulates in the radiator.
Energy expert Tina Götsch advises: “If you want to save energy, you should have a hydraulic balancing carried out and reduce the heating flow temperature according to the heat requirement .”
Does an energy-saving shower head really save hot water?
Around 15 percent of a household's energy costs go to producing hot water. Most of it is needed for bathing or showering.
An energy efficient shower head actually reduces hot water consumption. Depending on the model and water pressure, the flow rate can be reduced by half. With conventional shower heads, around ten to 15 liters of water flow per minute. Wellness or rain showers even pump up to 20 liters per minute down the drain.
Tina Götsch: “Although only six to seven liters of water are used per minute, showering with the energy-saving shower head is just as pleasant and the jet pattern is retained. Various techniques are used for this. This includes using special nozzles or adding air to the water jet.”
If you also change your behavior and only take a short shower instead of a long bath, you can further reduce your hot water consumption. Because: A normal bathtub holds around 140 liters of water. A standard shower head has a water flow of ten to 15 liters per minute. So if the shower runs for less than nine minutes, a shower uses less water than a bath.
If you have any questions about other energy-saving myths, the energy advice from the consumer advice center can help with its extensive range of options. The consultation takes place online, by telephone or in a personal conversation. Our energy experts provide individual, provider-independent advice. More information is available at www.verbraucherzentrale-energieberatung.de or nationwide free of charge on 0800 - 809 802 400. The consumer advice center's energy advice is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection.
Source:
Consumer advice center
Related:
Energy saving myths cleared up
Energy saving myths cleared up: Part 2
Myth of saving energy: Electricity consumption between legend and reality
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