At last: a practical Energy Harvesting proposal?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers around the potential for energy harvesting from waste warm water in residential plumbing systems, particularly from showers, washing machines, and dishwashers. Participants highlight that existing systems for heat recovery are often passive and suggest that a more comprehensive whole-house approach, involving heat storage tanks, could be more efficient. Concerns about maintenance, installation complexity, and the practicality of such systems are raised, alongside the observation that many homes currently lack these technologies despite their potential benefits. The conversation also touches on the need for energy efficiency as resources become scarcer and emphasizes that innovative solutions could help reduce energy costs in the long run. Overall, the viability of implementing heat recovery systems in homes remains a topic of interest and debate.
  • #51
russ_watters said:
What? Do you still live on a boat? I probably use 40!
Not far off the mark. Conserving water was a habit we acquired on the boat, and never lost. Even today when we go to a restaurant, my wife won't leave until she finishes the water in her glass. And I waste energy on hot water in the bathroom sink because I'm unwilling to let the water run long enough for the hot water to make it to the sink.

From the urban dictionary: navy shower
When taking a shower get in, turn water on, get wet, turn water off, lather, turn water on, rinse, get out.

bob012345 said:
Writing a check to buy something is the key to transforming society in the long run.
I disagree. The planet is finite and the growth in demand for resources is unbounded.
 
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  • #52
anorlunda said:
I disagree. The planet is finite and the growth in demand for resources is unbounded.
How am I going to get a more efficient car, water heater, or anything except by buying it? Just using less and less of inefficient technology and being miserable is not much of an answer to me.
 
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