Hot water delivery

Background

Substantial potential exists for increasing energy and water efficiency in water heating and delivery systems. Increases in water efficiency for water heating and delivery systems must be done on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the heater’s location and plumbing design. Multiple strategies can be used for improving water efficiency for hot water delivery systems.

Requirements and certification

Gold requirement

A centrally located water heater or a manifold plumbing system is installed.

Silver Gold Commercial/Institutional
NA 6 points NA

The length of pipe from the water heater to the fixture determines central location of a hot water tank. For a conventional system, no branch line from the water heater to any fixture may exceed 25 feet in one-story homes. Add 1x the ceiling height for two story homes, and add 2x the ceiling height for three or four story homes.

Gold requirement

A point-of-use or on-demand water heater supplies the kitchen fixtures and appliances.

Silver Gold Commercial/Institutional
NA 6 points NA

To receive credit, point-of-use or on-demand water heaters should be located within 10 feet of kitchen fixtures and appliances.

Provide design documentation that clearly represents heating equipment location and its distance to relevant water-using equipment (e.g., kitchen sink).

Water Heater Floor Plan
To receive points, hot water uses should be no more than 25 feet from a tank water heater.
Red house water pipes
Manifold plumbing system