About this episode

This episode discusses selecting an efficient hot water unit and optimizing plumbing layout for sustainable homes.

Hello! This is Episode 413. This is Way #13 of the ‘44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home’ series. And we’re still in Section Three: Sustainable Services and Infrastructure, and reviewing our hot water supply. For many homeowners, their decisions about their hot water unit can come in a flurry, and simply be based on what they know. Sometimes it can be handed to the plumber, as they recommend a system, you go with it.  However, your hot water unit is a product that can last ten to fifteen years, and the selection you make locks in a significant amount of energy use and money each year you live in your home, so it’s worth considering the options before you specify. Way #13 is: Select an Efficient Hot Water Unit and Get the Plumbing Layout Right. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/413 ] Hot water accounts for approximately 23% to 25% of your home’s total energy use. That makes it the second largest energy consumer in your home after heating and cooling. In this episode, we’ll talk about the key differences between the main hot water system types, what to…

People in this episode

Host: Amelia Lee

Topics covered

• sustainable home
• hot water systems
• plumbing layout
• energy efficiency
• home infrastructure

Keywords

• hot water unit
• energy use
• plumbing layout
• heat pump
• sustainable services

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Undercover Architect

More episodes of Get It Right with Undercover Architect

• 44 Ways #14: Use Renewable Energy to Supply Your (Reduced) Energy Needs · July 2, 2026 · 20 min
• 44 Ways #12: Store and Reuse Water for Greater Water Saving · June 25, 2026 · 21 min
• 44 Ways #11: Reduce Your Water Use In and Around Your Home · June 22, 2026 · 18 min
• 44 Ways #10: Reduce Your Energy Use Through Your Selections · June 18, 2026 · 18 min
• 44 Ways #09: Improve Your Indoor Air Quality · June 15, 2026 · 20 min

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