How to Manage Cost, Capacity + Distribution for Hot Water in Your Home
This course has a live component: you'll receive a link to join a live-virtual Zoom presentation from 10 AM to 12 PM Eastern on December 18, 2025 once you enroll in this course.
This is a live Zoom presentation. We'll discuss the content described below and attempt to address any other topics you wish to raise: off-topic questions are welcome.
You need an account to enroll in this course. Setting up an account is free, quick and simple. Follow the guidance under the heading "You Need an Account" at the bottom of this page.
We look forward to seeing you!
This course includes:
- Join our live-virtual presentation for a walk through the course content during which we welcome your questions and comments.
- Anytime access to the recording of our live presentation plus supporting materials for 60 days - learn or reference the material when it's convenient for you.
- Access to office hours: live Zoom meetings in which you can ask questions about the recording or supporting materials.
Water heating is a complex topic that combines in-home energy use with fuel choices, maintenance and water conservation… not to mention the discomfort of running out of hot water.
This topic demands detailed study to avoid wasting money every day you use hot water and having a system that fails to meet your expectations. We separated water heating + distribution from our plumbing course to have time to address your choices for and concerns about capacity, appliance types, safety and cost.
We’ll walk you through the following so you can make informed decisions about water heating and distribution in your home:
- What are the minimum (building code) requirements for water heating?
- What types of water heaters are available for homes?
- What type of water heater fits the needs of your household?
- What are the concerns with natural gas or propane water heaters?
- What are the concerns with heat pump water heaters?
- Can air conditioning and water heating systems be combined?
- How can you calculate the water heater capacity you need?
- How to deal with high-capacity needs: garden tub, “car-wash showers”, etc.?
What types of pipes? - What types of distribution systems are available?
- What type of recirculation systems are available?
- How does water heater placement affect distribution?
- How can we calculate wasted water for a plumbing fixture?
- Do pipes and water tanks need to be insulated?
As always, we’ll make our review in terms you can understand and use when speaking with contractors, home inspectors, etc. We invite your questions as we go so we can be sure you get the most value out of this course.
Register now and plan to join us for a live discussion of water heating and distribution. We welcome your questions as we go. We look forward to seeing you in our Zoom presentation from 10 AM to 12 PM Eastern on December 18, 2025!
Your enrollment period (your access to the recording) is 60 days from the date of the live presentation.
Access to the Presentation + Recording
Each person who views the presentation and has access to the recording must purchase (or have purchased for them) their own access to this course. Learners are not permitted to share access to courses.
What Happens After the Live Presentation?
We'll publish a recording of the live presentation in this learning management system. We'll notify you by email when the recording is available.
You may view the recording any time you choose and as many times as you wish within your enrollment period.
Your enrollment period (your access to the recording) is 60 days from the date of the live presentation. It typically takes three business days for the recording to be published.
Your Questions + Guidance
Please share your questions and guidance at any time through our Support page.
You Need An Account
You need an account to view a course. Setting up an account is free and easy to do - just click the "Enroll Now" button below.
If you're not currently signed in yet have an account, click the "Enroll Now" button and enter the email address you used for your account. The LMS will recognize your email address, prompt you for a password. Enter your password, click "Continue". The LMS will add the course to your account and open your dashboard to display all of your available courses.
If you're signed into the LMS, clicking the "Enroll Now" button will launch the course.
Give This Course as a Gift
You can give this course to a person using the gifting feature at checkout: Click the "Enroll Now" button and then check the box to the left of the text "This is a gift".
You'll be prompted to provide the recipient's email and name plus a personalized message. The recipient will receive an introductory message with your personalized note. You'll receive an email with a link to the gift.
Our courses are a transformative gift of education: we teach people how to enjoy more healthy, comfortable and efficient homes and communities. Our courses are appropriate for all ages and backgrounds: homeowners, students, professionals, etc.
Terms of Service
Your participation in this course and all other RTA events is subject to RTA's Terms of Service.
Course Instructor
Advocate + Collaborator Ryan Taylor
Ryan Taylor is a registered architect. He’s also earned certifications in energy rating/performance verification, site design, disaster response, distance learning, etc. Ryan is active in community, legislative and building code issues. He’s been speaking/teaching since 2008 and is frequently invited to speak at community and industry events. His comments have been widely published.