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Homepage > Studies and Facts > Articles > Estimated Household Savings from the Prevention of Limescale Buildup |
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Orim Finances, Financial Consultation Office
3 Hayetzira Ramat Gan, Tel.: 03-6114636; 050-4223385
Background
WaterPath, a member of the Pazgas Group (hereinafter: "the Company"), markets Avnix, an innovative device that prevents limescale buildup in the domestic pipe system. Limescale buildup affects household appliances including washing machines, dishwashers, solar and electric water heaters, and energy consumption, among others. The device induces an electric field that prevents limescale from crystallizing on the pipe system walls, thereby preventing the flow and accumulation of limescale in every household appliances and faucet connected to the domestic pipe system.
The Avnix solution was developed in England in the 1990s. It is used by the British Gas Company, which supplies hot water throughout the country. In Israel, the Company began marketing the product, primarily to the industrial sector, about two years ago with customers including WaterPath Beit Shean, a water cooperative that transports water and produces electricity from the water flow. The Company has also set itself the goal of marketing the Avnix solution to local market households, which are directly and indirectly affected by problems involving limescale buildup in the pipe system and the appliances connected to it.
I was asked by the Company to estimate the average annual financial savings to the average Israeli household as a result from the installation of the Avnix device and subsequent solution of the limescale problem in the domestic pipe system. To prepare the estimate, I talked to the company's CEO and obtained information that explains the problem, the proposed solution and its repercussions for the water pipe system, the appliances connected to it and anything else that might be affected by applying the solution to the limescale problems.
Table No. 1.1.: How Limescale Buildup Affects Boiler Energy Costs
| Cause |
Effect |
| Housecleaning |
Increased use of products for removing limescale spots from sinks, faucets, etc. |
| Solar or electric water heater |
Limescale buildup on the heating element results in more frequent repairs and boiler replacement. |
| Pipe system maintenance |
Blockage in the pipe system, increased wear and tear on faucets, bathtub faucet heads, etc. |
| Washing machine and dishwasher |
More frequent repairs and machine replacement due to limescale buildup on the heating element, the boiler and the machine drum. |
| Household electricity consumption |
Limescale buildup on heating elements increases the energy consumption required for a given heating period. |
The annual savings of the average Israeli household from preventing limescale damage
I calculated the savings for each component separately based on the effect of the treatment for preventing limescale buildup in the water pipe system of that particular component. To make the calculation, I conducted a basic price survey and had several conversations with solar water heater technicians, plumbers and installers. Moreover, in order to complete the full calculation, I added an estimate by Mr. Rani Fischer of Rani Fischer Engineering Consultation Ltd. to the average annual energy savings.
Table No. 1.2.: The Cost of Limescale Spot Removal Preparations
| Limescale Spot Removal Product |
Supersol Price (NIS) |
Annual Average Consumption |
Annual Average Cost (NIS) |
| Cillit Limescale and Rust Remover |
16.99 |
6 |
102 |
| Cillit Electric Kettle Cleaner |
16.99 |
1 |
17 |
| Total Annual Average Cost |
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119 |
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Table No. 2.2: The Average Annual Savings on the Cost of
Solar Water Heater Replacement
| Without Treatment |
Cost (NIS) |
Product :Life Expectancy - Years |
Annual Average Cost |
| Low |
High |
Average |
Low |
High |
Average |
| Solar/electric Water Heater |
1,200 |
1,800 |
1,500 |
5 |
10 |
7.5 |
178 |
| Collectors |
1,000 |
1,200 |
1,100 |
5 |
10 |
7.5 |
131 |
| Total |
309 |
| With treatment |
| Solar/Electric Water Heater |
1,200 |
1,800 |
1,500 |
10 |
15 |
12.5 |
98 |
| Collectors |
1,000 |
1,200 |
1,100 |
10 |
15 |
12.5 |
72 |
| Total |
170 |
| Total Expected Savings |
139 |
- The installation costs for replacing a solar or electric hot water heater were collected from the website "The Professionals," which presents price comparisons for household services.
- Product life expectancy was estimated by a plumber with over twenty years' experience in
the field.
- The average annual cost was calculated as the average sum a family should save each year based on the following assumptions: a given interest rate of approximately 3.5%, and the savings period equal to the average product life expectancy. The purpose of the calculation is to translate the solar heater replacement cost from one-time to ongoing expenses.
- The data presented in Table 2.2 above reveal that the total expected savings from preventing limescale and extending the life of the boiler are estimated at approximately NIS 139 on
the average.
Table No. 2.3: The Savings on Annual Household Pipe System Maintenance Costs
| Maintenance Cost for an Untreated Pipe System |
Cost (NIS) |
Product Life Expectancy - Years |
Annual Average Cost Per Point |
Number of Points in the Average Home |
Total Annual Average Cost |
| Low |
High |
Average |
Low |
High |
Average |
| Bathroom Faucet Heads |
100 |
150 |
125 |
2 |
3 |
2.5 |
49 |
2 |
98 |
| Faucet Filters |
20 |
50 |
35 |
2 |
3 |
2.5 |
14 |
3 |
42 |
| Faucet Replacement |
120 |
180 |
150 |
10 |
15 |
12.5 |
10 |
3 |
30 |
| Replacement of a Specific Pipe including the Opening of Walls |
600 |
1,500 |
1,050 |
15 |
20 |
17.5 |
45 |
3 |
135 |
| Total |
305 |
| Maintenance Cost for a Treated Pipe System |
| Bathroom Faucet Heads |
100 |
150 |
125 |
4 |
5 |
4.5 |
26 |
2 |
52 |
| Faucet Filters |
20 |
50 |
35 |
4 |
5 |
4.5 |
7 |
3 |
21 |
| Faucet Replacement |
120 |
180 |
150 |
20 |
25 |
22.5 |
4 |
3 |
12 |
| Replacement of a Specific Pipe including the Opening of Walls |
600 |
1,500 |
1,050 |
25 |
30 |
37.5 |
23 |
3 |
69 |
| Total |
151 |
| Total expected savings |
154 |
- The various repair costs were taken from the "The Professionals" website as described above in Paragraph 2.2.
- Product life expectancy was estimated by a plumber with over twenty years' experience in
the field.
- The calculation of the average annual cost was based on the same assumptions specified in Paragraph 2.2 above.
- The data presented in Table 2.3 above reveal that the total expected annual savings from preventing limescale in the average home in Israel are estimated at approximately NIS 154.
Table No. 2.4: The Average Annual Savings on the Cost of
Washing Machine and Dishwasher Replacement
| Without Treatment |
Cost (NIS) |
Product Life Expectancy - Years |
Annual Average Cost |
| Low |
High |
Average |
Low |
High |
Average |
| Washing Machine |
2,000 |
3,000 |
2,500 |
5 |
8 |
6.5 |
385 |
| Dishwasher |
2,000 |
3,000 |
2,500 |
5 |
8 |
6.5 |
385 |
| Total |
770 |
| With Treatment |
| Washing Machine |
2,000 |
3,000 |
2,500 |
8 |
12 |
10 |
250 |
| Dishwasher |
2,000 |
3,000 |
2,500 |
8 |
12 |
10 |
250 |
| Total |
500 |
| Total Expected Savings |
270 |
- The various repair costs were taken from websites that sell electrical appliances.
- Product life expectancy was estimated by a washing machine and dishwasher repairman with over twenty years' experience in the field.
- The calculation of the average annual cost was based on the same assumptions specified in Paragraph 2.2 above.
- The data presented in Table 2.4 above reveal that the total expected annual savings on washing machine and dishwasher purchases are estimated at approximately NIS 270.
Summary
As previously mentioned, the expected savings from limescale buildup prevention result from reduced energy required to operate a domestic boiler; decreased use of products for removing limescale spots; and extended product life of solar and electric water heaters, domestic pipe systems, washing machines and dishwashers.
The average annual energy savings for an average household in Israel were estimated by Rani Fischer Engineering Consultation Ltd. at between NIS 95 and NIS 516. The actual savings depend on the thickness of the limescale layer on the boiler's heating element: The thicker the layer, the more energy is required to heat the water to a given temperature.
The average annual savings for an average household in Israel from the other factors were estimated by the undersigned at approximately NIS 682. Therefore, it appears that the total expected savings for a household that prevents limescale buildup range between NIS 780 and NIS 1,200
per year.
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