Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater
After air heating and cooling, home water heating is the largest in residential energy consumption. Hot water heaters are responsible for about 17% of residential energy use.
The new industry-exclusive GE Hybrid Electric Water Heater is designed to provide the same hot water homeowners are accustomed to, but requires only about half the energy to produce it.
The water heater first uses a heat pump to bring the water up to the temperature of the ambient air. Then the electric water heater takes over, bringing the water up to 140 degrees F. This takes longer than direct heating but it only consumes 550 watts of power. If you need more power for visitor’s showers, then the electric element kicks in providing more hot water with a shorter recovery time.
The GE Hybrid Electric Water Heater is designed for easy installation because it uses the existing water and electrical connections and occupies the same footprint as a traditional tank water heater, making it perfect for new construction or a replacement upgrade.
A 30% federal tax credit may kick in for those qualified, alongside some state side Energy Star savings.
* Consumes up to 62%* less energy than a standard electric water heater
* Results in energy savings of $320 per year*
* Exceeds ENERGY STAR® minimum requirements of 2.0 Energy Factor (EF) with 2.35 EF
* Available November 2009 in 50 gallon size
24″ Ranges
A 24″ range is a great appliance for a tiny kitchen. While the choices were once slim, today there are many to choose from.
Fisher & Paykel smooth top range
This little gem has a sleek glass top and a warming drawer with moisture selector. The self clean cycle makes it great for a busy home.
BlueStar Range with swing door
The versatility of this all-gas range makes it a favorite. The griddle top is a must for a vacation home.
American Range commercial grade range
This range offers sealed burners with infinite controls and multiple oven settings including convection. The large glass door makes keeping an eye on food easy.
Vulcan restuarant-style 24″ range
This little powerhouse offers 115,000 total BTU with the oven totalling 35,000 BTU. Option casters are available too.
Avanti duel fuel range
If you prefer a duel fuel range, the Avanti is a great choice. It’s self-cleaning oven reaches temperatures between 120 and 480 degrees. If you are really tight on space, Avanti also offers 20″ ranges.
Smeg gas range
This beautiful range comes in all gas or a dual fuel model. Heavy duty continuous grates can handle the largest of pots. 9 cooking modes are available as well as an electronic cooking display. Optional LP conversion kit is also available.
Around the Web
As I was strolling the world wide web this past week I found some great items I thought I’d share starting with this incredible white kitchen in a Barn-style home in Sag Harbour from Emma and her great Blog White and Wander.
I love the commercial-style faucet and industrial stainless steel surfaces paired with the clean white shelving filled with glasses and clay pitchers. Check out her other posts filled with lost of interior goodness.
The Laurel Hedges has a fun post that tells of the little known secret that a powerful exhaust fan in a couple’s bathroom lowers the chance of divorce. Millie blogs to get away from the men in her life ( she has 5 sons!) and her posts are refreshing and filled with wonderful little gems.
Small kitchens are hard to design because they still have to have all the appliances found in larger kitchens and at least a little storage. I think Chris Welsh did a fabulous job on this alcove kitchen featured on Alicia B. Designs with her tips on how to maximise small kitchen space.
If you have missed the magazine Domino then you will love the new online magazine, Lonny. Eddie Ross introduced me to the new publication on his blog. His beautiful farmhouse has a fabulous spread in the 200 or so page publication. I love what he and his partner did with their butler’s pantry. Everything is beautifully organized and very accessible.
