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Plumbing constructor John Fuscillo discusses the energy conserving Drainwater Heat Recovery system that he has just installed with Bob. The GFX unit, as it is called, is a copper heat exchanger that replaces a vertical section of the home's main waste drain. As warm water flows down the waste drain from the shower or laundry for instance, incoming cold supply water flows through a spiral copper tube wrapped tightly around the copper section of waste drain. Heat is picked up by the cold supply water and is sent to the cold side of the fixtures (i.e. shower) or to the water heater. On the average the GFX can recover enough heat to raise the incoming cold water 20 to 30 degrees. The GFX is completely passive, having no moving parts or heating elements so there's nothing to wear out.
The GFX was invented by a Long Island, NY scientist whose wife operated a beauty salon. Seeing how much energy was running down the drain from the shampooing tubs, Dr. Carmine Vasile developed the technology to capture the otherwise wasted heat and return it to the system. Since the heat is only recovered and passed on to the cold water when the hot water is being used, the GFX is most effective in a home where there is a sizable demand for hot water, i.e. lots of showers, laundry dish washing, etc. For this reason, it an an ideal solution for homeowner Michelle Hayes and her four daughters.
The GFX, manufactured by Doucette Industries, is perhaps the only Drainwater Heat Recovery systems with IAPMO and UL approvals, so it doesn't require a plumbing code variance. The GFX heat recovery unit can be easily installed by a qualified plumber or it makes a good project for the knowledgeable do-it-yourselfer.
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© 2001 BobVila.com
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