[GBlist] Single Lever Faucet Design

[Peter/Pam Martin <pmartin@islandnet.com>]

Greetings,

The design of things, as stated on this list many times, is often of
paramount importance with regard to energy consumption.

I noticed some time ago that our family's use, or rather misuse, of the
single lever kitchen faucet was to some extent predetermined by its
design.  (I know, I probably have too much spare time).  When
we need water to rinse our hands, dishes, or fruit, for example, there is
a tendency to have the lever in the 6 o'clock position, using 50% hot
water/50% cold, whereas it should be in the 100% cold, 3 o'clock
position.  If other people have similar faucet habits as we had
(we've largely kicked the habit:)), how many hundreds of millions of
gallons of hot water are wasted each day?  And while acknowledging
everyone could also overcome their addiction to 6 o'clock warm water,
most probably will not, simply because they are unaware of their
addiction and the *consequences*.  Therefore would not a design
change to say hot at 9 and 3 o'clock and cold at 6 o'clock be the most
efficient way to reduce hot water use in this instance?  Is this
change even possible?  This is obviously not in the same league as
drain heat recovery, solar hot water, or Bushite environmental vandalism,
but every little bit helps or hinders, as the case may be.  In its
own small way, it also emphasizes the importance of careful
design.

My apologies if this topic has been examined before.  Peter.

P. & P. Martin,
1830 Millstream Rd.
Victoria, B.C., V9B 6E3
250-478-0073
please visit: http://www.theHungerSite.com daily