Savings are possible by reducing water use. If you have not already conducted the analysis suggested in Chapter II, review the water bills for your school. Check for evidence of leaks and billing errors. Review how water is being used to identify any opportunities for savings. Further energy savings are possible by reducing hot water use and improving the efficiency of its delivery.

A one gallon container can be used in showers (gym) to determine the flow rate in gallons per minute. This is important because it takes energy to heat water and energy costs money. To measure the flow rate, turn on both the hot and cold water and adjust the temperature of the water and the flow to the point where you would normally shower. Note the time on your watch (with a second hand) and fill up the one gallon bucket, noting how much time it takes to fill in seconds.

Now turn off the cold water and find out how long it takes to fill the one gallon container with hot water.

Showerheads are available that provide "satisfying" showers and use only 2.5 GPM or less. Not all showerheads however are created equal. When flow rates in excess of 2.5 GPM are found, energy can be saved by changing the shower heads. Care must be taken however to be careful to use types that perform acceptably. If not satisfied, users tend to damage or remove the showerheads resulting in more energy and water use.

At some schools during warm weather, a boiler is operated simply to supply hot water. Sometimes savings can be obtained by installing a smaller, hot-water heater for use when space heating is not required. In some schools, the hot water heater is distant from the point of use. In these situations it may be possible to save by installing a second water heater close to the point of use. Heating needs can be reduced by insulating hot water pipes where they are accessible.

Consider the cost of different forms of energy at your school. Sometimes significant savings can be generated by switching to a less expensive fuel. For some application it may be possible to use the sun or take advantage of heat being exhausted from the buildings or kitchen to heat or pre-heat the water.

A. Find the following information:

B. Calculate the amount of energy used to heat water at your school.

C. True or False

D. Write a report presenting your findings relating to water use in the school. Can your school save by fixing leaks, reducing water or hot water use, converting to a different source of energy for water heating, or installing a more efficient heating system?

E. (Optional Research Question)

Although not common in the Northwest, in some areas the price of electricity goes up or down according to time of day. Rates are higher during "peak demand" times and lower during "low demand" times, usually at night. I own an electrically heated hot tub that heats water anytime the water temperature drops below a certain level, regardless of time of day. Would it make sense to put a timer on my tub so that it could draw electricity to heat water only during times when electricity rates are low? You might think about what you would do if gasoline prices for your car were $1.50/gal between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. and $1.10/gal between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. When would you buy gas? Although "time of day" rates are not common, demand charges are. Given the demand charges it may make sense to track and shift electricity usage to periods when other energy demands in your facility are less.