• Blackmist@feddit.uk
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    8 months ago

    Gas is cheaper to run as well, although that is more subject to the wonders of international incidents.

    I like the idea of a renewable energy way to heat the home, as trickling the heat in would work there, run the electricity when it’s cheaper and that, but for hot water, gas is just so convenient. A heat pump is never going to produce enough concentrated energy to run a bath or have a shower more powerful than a piss.

    Hated having a water tank when I had a rubbish old gas boiler, and I’m not going back to one if I can avoid it.

    • sirjash@feddit.de
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      8 months ago

      There are electric water heaters that can take the preheated water from the general system and give it the last boost to exactly the temperature you desire. Ideally those would be installed relatively close to wherever you need the water. They are less efficient, but on the plus side, they only heat whenever and exactly how much you need

      • Rivalarrival@lemmy.today
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        7 months ago

        I’ve contemplated a heat exchanger on the tub drain line to capture the heat from my shower to preheat water into the tank.

        A small, non-functional gas water heater, located in a hot, summer attic, and with a small fan blowing air down the exhaust stack, makes an excellent pre-heater.

        Stick a small window air conditioner in there, and it becomes a redneck heat pump water heater.