Create financial and energy savings by taking a few minutes to review your water heater and circulation pump system.

Regardless of what type of restaurant you operate you have a hot water heater. Those operators using a natural gas, standard efficiency (has a flue on top), storage type water heater can optimize its performance with four simple measures:

1. Calibrate temperature:Set the water heater temperature no higher than necessary. Generally, the temperature should be set in accordance to the requirements of the dish machine. Even a small reduction in temperature can save big. For example, a full service casual dining restaurant using 2,000 gallons of hot water per day can save almost $900 per year by reducing the water heater temperature from 150°F to 140°F.

2. Regulate the hot water line recirculation pump: If present, place the hot water line recirculation pump on a time clock in order to shut it off when the restaurant is closed. Field research by FSTC engineers has determined that turning the pump off for 10 hours per day can save up to $800 in operating costs.

3. Insulate hot water lines: Pipe insulation reduces heat lose and energy waste. Insulation is critical for lowering operating costs on water heating systems with a hot water recirculation line. FSTC studies have revealed an average savings of $3 per linear foot of installed pipe insulation. (PG&E rebates available:

4. Activate the automated flue damper: Turning on this simple motorized damper atop the water heater can save $100 per year. Acting like the lid on a thermos, the damper, when set in the "automatic" position keeps heat and your dollars from going up the flue!

Installing a new water heater or designing a new restaurant? Check out the economic benefits of energy efficient water heaters and good plumbing design:

www.fishnick.com/Commercial Water Heating Systems

www.fishnick.com/Waterheating

A reminder that PG&E field representatives are available to perform free energy audits of GGRA member restaurants with the goal of finding energy and water saving opportunities in each of a facility's energy using systems - cooking appliances, HVAC/kitchen exhaust, lighting, refrigeration, sanitation and water heating. While supplies last and where appropriate, members will also receive a FREE, ultra-efficiency, high performance pre-rinse nozzle for immediate energy and water savings. Contact your GGRA PG&E Partner, Diane Reyes, 415-308.2334.