FAQ
How much will I earn?
The amount you earn depends on the market rate for digital processing and how much hot water you use. See our viability calculator (TBC) for an assessment.
How much does it cost to run?
You only pay for the energy you use to heat your water. Your electricity provider can give you the cost per kWh.
Will my utility costs go up?
There is no change in energy usage. The HRU has an equivalent energy cost compared to an electric heating element. Moving from gas to electric will increase your electric bill and reduce your gas bill.
How do I get paid?
Until we launch, our beta testers get the full revenue paid in bitcoin.
We credit your account balance in your local currency. You can use the credit towards your electricity bill, and other services we offer (TBC) or you can withdraw bitcoin, use it, or sell them at your convenience. (we support BTC, BCH, BSV)
Why does my balance go up and down?
The local currency amount is locked-in when it’s withdrawn. Your balance is backed by bitcoin; the price can be volatile.
Where can I buy an HRU?
Our HRU is not for sale. We’ve committed to managing our product from cradle to grave. You get all the benefits plus more without having to own it. If you’re outside of our network zoning and want an HRU, let us know.
I’m happy with my existing hot water system. Why change it?
Technology scales to solve problems. We have cars, internet and cell phones, all complicated technologies built on complicated systems that simplify things we couldn’t do before. To make progress we need to optimize how we use energy.
What’s the catch?
We’re in the business of matching users of heat with industries that waste it. It’s like we pay you to have show creative shower thoughts. One drawback is our hot water recovery time is not as fast as a conventional hot water tank.
How hot does the water get?
The HRU-1 heats water to 60°C (140°F), the CSA recommended hot water temperature for domestic hot water tanks. A thermostat regulates the temperature between 50°C – 60°C.
How fast does the HRU heat water?
It takes ~1 kWh to heat 20ℓ from 15°C to 60°C. The HRU uses between 0.9 – 1.4 kW per hour. So it depends. A family sized tank ~150ℓ can take between 6-12 hrs to reheat after 4 back-to-back showers and a couple of loads of laundry. See our viability calculator (TBC) for an assessment.
What are the digital processors processing?
The short answer is math. The HRU contains a data server processing cluster that is part of a distributed network. Our first deployment is securing the Bitcoin Blockchain. We can also process generative IA or data that require high-performance computing.
Why does the HRU need access to the internet?
The proof of work done by our HRU-1 digital processing cluster needs to be submitted for validation over the internet. We use your internet connection to do this.
Will the HRU affect my internet?
Not likely. The data requirements for the HRU is around 500MB a month; that’s about the equivalent of viewing 20 seconds of HD video a day.
What if I don’t have a hot water tank?
Tankless systems are not compatible, but if you live in a building with centralised hot water heating we’d be happy to present a cost benefit analysis to the building owner or your Strata Council. We offer a finder’s commission (TBC) should it result in an installation.
I have a natural gas hot water tank. Is it compatible?
Yes, our HRU is compatible with existing natural gas hot water tanks. (TBC) It operates in a hybrid mode; we’ll need to set the gas thermostat really low so the heating is done by our HRU.
Is the HRU compatible with geothermal or solar hot water?
Solar and geothermal hot water heating systems are already energy efficient. If more than 50% of your hot water comes from an environmentally sustainable source, it’s unlikely you’d use enough electricity to make the HRU viable. Have a look at our (TBC) calculator link.
I’m renting. Can I still qualify for an HRU installation?
Sure, but we’ll need your landlord’s permission and the permission of the person responsible for the energy utility bill associated with that address.
What if I am leasing a hot water tank?
We intend to eventually offer a solution for people who would like to lease a hot water tank. At this time we don’t offer a heating solution for leased tanks. Please ask you lessor to contact us.
Will the HRU void my hot water tank warranty?
The HRU does not interface with the tank directly so it should not impact your warranty in any way. It’s designed to put less strain on the tank.
What happens when I have a power failure?
Some events are out of our control. We’re as dependent on available power as you. You’ll have the hot water in your tank, and when the electricity comes back on line, the HRU will get back to heating as much hot water as you need.
Will my hot water be tied to my internet connection?
No, if your internet is down you still get hot water. If the HRU’s internet connection is not restored within an hour, you’ll get an SMS (TBC) and an email notification to contact support.
What happens if there is no water in the plumbing?
Our system has many diagnostics and checks for water flow. It has multiple safety features to ensure it never overheats or runs dry.
What happens if there is a leak, or worse, flooding?
We don’t expect you’ll have a problem as we use top quality plumbing fittings and our units are thoroughly tested before installation. Our HRU complies with local regulations where service is offered. (TBC)
If you do have a leak, treat it just like any other leak: turn off the water inlet and call a plumber. For your peace of mind our plumbers (TBC) are available 24/7 and our emergency number is on the HRU.
What happens when I go on vacation?
If you stop using hot water, we stop using electricity to make more of it, we only pay you for the hot water you use. See our viability calculator (TBC) for an assessment.
What happens when I move?
Please let us know, so we can ensure the HRU is paying the account associated with the beneficiary. To make certain this is always the case a minimum of 50% of your earnings (TBC) needs to be credited towards a valid energy utility account.
Can I switch back to legacy hot water?
Yes. It’s as simple as unplugging the HRU and closing a valve and disconnecting the unit from the plumbing. We’ll do it for you at no charge when you terminate service.
What does (TBC) mean?
What is now proved was once only imagined.
– William Blake