The Shift Home

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Drain Water Heat Recovery by WaterCycles

We just received the drain water heat recovery (DWHR) unit today from Watercycles Energy Recovery Inc., a Saskatchewan-based company and partner in the Shift Home project. I love this technology and specifically this product for a number of reasons.

First, it puts conservation at the forefront. In the case of a shower, you have warm drain water going down the center of the unit with cold fresh water wrapping around the outside picking up heat.  The DX-4048 we're using is their best performing unit at 43.5% effectiveness. This pays back every single day of the year by saving electricity or natural gas plus it reduces the load on your water heating mechanical systems and extends its life.

Secondly, it is a passive technology.  There are no gaskets to replace, no maintenance calls and no moving parts. That makes is great for any property, whether it's owned or rented.

Third, it is entirely made out of copper and is 100% recyclable.  Not that you'd ever be silly enough to remove one, right?

So really, the question becomes "why isn't this standard in every new home?" Our answer to that is "It is standard...in a Shift Home!"

Have a super weekend.  

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