Absolutely electrical: Hot water tanks

Domestic hot water

In many multi-family buildings, hot water comes from common

hot-water boilers, rather than from individual water heaters as

in single-family homes. These large tanks are typically set to

60°C (140°F), but this can be dropped by a few degrees to a

lower safe level, such as 55°C (131°F), to save on energy. CMHC

estimates the savings in fuel consumption at 1% per degree

Fast Fact

LED exit signs can last about 25 years,

but do have a higher initial cost. Using

CFL bulbs in an exit sign would typically

last between two and four years, and

incandescent bulbs would require

replacing several times a year.

Celsius (or 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit). However, the Canada Safety

Council recommends that the water temperature be set to at

least 54°C (129°F) to prevent water-borne diseases.

In addition, buildings equipped with domestic hot water

recirculation pumps can further benefit from a timer that shuts

off the pump during periods when there is little demand for hot

water

2. A 24-hour mechanical time clock allows the user to set

different on- and off-times during the day, such as in the middle

of the night or for part of the afternoon. Should a resident want

hot water during shutdown, she or he must simply run the water

long enough for the hot water to make its way to the tap. A

seven-day time clock adds the possibility to accommodate for a

different shut-off period for weekends.

Also, the hot-water boiler should be flushed annually by an expert

to remove residues and deposits that have accumulated inside.

This will help keep heating costs down and will significantly

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