|
|
|
|
| |
| |
Dear Members,
If you have a hot tub, these tips may be very helpful.
Hot Tub Conservation Tips
*Set the hot tub heater thermostat to maintain 102 degrees F - which
is the temperature recommended by most health departments for adults
and children. Some hot tubs have been factory set to heat water to
104 degrees F.
* Shift hot tub water heating to off-peak times - If your hot tub
has a timer, you can help reduce
peak loads and pressure on utility rates by programming the timer to
"off" during peak hours -6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. If
you have a well insulated, energy efficient hot tub, it will
maintain the set temperature for several hours after the heater is
turned off.
* Turn down the thermostat when you're on vacation - If you are
leaving for an extended period of time or won't use the hot tub for
a week or more, turn the heat down or off. If you have an older,
non-energy efficient hot tub, consider draining it if you will be
gone during winter months. Such tubs can freeze which causes a great
deal of damage to the equipment. Energy efficient hot tubs can
maintain non-freezing temperatures for weeks with appropriate
covers.
* Reduce pumping cycles - Normally filtration cycles for single and
two speed pumps are set for four hours, twice per day. You may be
able to reduce the filtration cycles to three hours, twice a day -
during off-peak hours. This adjustment should be based on your usage
pattern so you can maintain clear, clean and safe water. If your hot
tub has a low wattage, continuous circulation pump - leave it alone.
It's designed to run all the time.
* Use a hard (foam) cover with good insulative qualities - Standard
covers have an insulating value of approximately R-12. Keeping a
cover in good condition is essential because most heat loss will be
through the spa cover. Replace the cover if the interior foam is
broken or water-saturated. A waterlogged cover will increase energy
consumption from heat loss. Make sure the cover and tub lip fit
snugly. Use the straps to latch the cover when the hot tub is not in
use; this will reduce heat leakage and provide a safety measure. To
handle the cover more easily and extend its life, a lift system is
recommended.
* Add a floating blanket - An energy-efficient floating thermal
blanket will help retain heat and reduces the amount of moisture
building up on the inside of your hard cover, extending its life.
For example, adding a 1/4" closed cell foam, floating blanket under
the hard cover can increase the total R value to 16.
* Avoid wasting water - Repair any leaks and adjust jets or use
booster seats to adjust your height so you're not sending streams of
water on the deck.
* Drain the hot tub only when necessary - Maintaining a proper
chemical balance will reduce the number of times you need to drain.
Hot tubs that are heavily used by bathers should be drained every
3-4 months. When it's time to drain, either drain to a sanitary
sewer or use the water for lawn irrigation. Make sure no chemicals
have been added for at least 48 hours before draining.
* Create windbreaks around the hot tub - Cutting wind exposure can
reduce heat loss. Privacy panels, landscaping or fencing can all be
effective windbreaks.
* Buy only energy efficient spas and hot tubs - Today, significant
improvements in the construction, controls and equipment (such as
using preheated air for jets and low wattage pumps and lights) make
hot tubs more energy efficient than 5 or 10 years ago. When
possible, replace your hot tub with a newer, energy efficient model.
An average sized energy efficient hot tub consumes 5-7 kWh per day,
while a poorly insulated inefficient hot tub may use 12-18 kWh per
day.
|
|
| |
| |
Central Electric Cooperative, Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|