Heater Tutor
�A Device to Link Smart Thermostats to Direct Vent Heaters
�An Arctic Innovation Competition Idea: Developed and Presented by Amber and Dan Reichardt
Image From:
ContractorMag.com
Idea Origins
PROBLEM
Remote Monitoring Needed
SOLUTION
Install Smart Thermostat
1,300 SF Home w/ Hybrid Heating System
- 200 gal/year
Image From:
store.google.com
Benefits
Fuel
Savings
Improved
Comfort
Control
Temperature
Remotely
Automated
Notifications
Smart Thermostat Benefits
“Gold Standard”
On average the Nest thermostat saved US customers about 10-12% on their heating bills
…But it Turns Out
That Was Impossible
Why?
Direct Vent Heater
Smart Thermostat
Heater Tutor – Block Diagram
General
Diagram
Product Demand
Validated According To:
2021 - 17% US Homes & growing *
*SP Global Market Intelligence Report – 7/20/2021
Number of Direct Vent Heaters in AK
(rough estimate)
Note: We consulted with a researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory – Fairbanks and a construction manager at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium for general perspective on prevalence of Direct Vent Heaters, and derived these estimates through analysis of US Census Data and Alaska Housing Finance Corporation 2017 AK Housing Assessment, but these are rough estimates.
Competition? –Toyo Wi-Fi
Toyo Wi-Fi - PROS
Toyo Wi-Fi - CONS
Images from:
toyotomiusa.com/
Development - DONE
Beta Testing – IN PROGRESS
Initial Commercial Rollout - FUTURE
Business Plan
Summer 2022
Winter 2021-2022
Winter 2022-2023
Start small, respond to demand
| Rural Alaska | Fairbanks | Mat-Su/ Kenai |
Est Homes w/Direct Vent Heaters | 24,961 | 11,644 | 3,654 |
Est Annual Fuel Oil Consumption | 713 gal | 659 gal | 565 gal |
2022 Avg. Home Heating Oil Cost | $4,464 | $2,884 | $2,401 |
Estimated 15% Savings | $670 | $432 | $360 |
Statewide Potential Savings | $23 Million |
Greenhouse Gas Offsets
4.1 million gallons of heating oil saved p/year displaces 46,000 tons of CO2 emissions = additional $2.3 million in “social cost of carbon” saved
Alaska Cost Savings Potential
Note: Cost Savings Potential are very rough estimates. Please contact Dan Reichardt for a better understanding of how these estimates were derived
THANKS!!!
WANTED:
Fairbanks Area Monitor/Toyo Owners Interested in FREE 2022 Beta Testing
Contact us at
HeaterTutor@gmail.com
Amber Reichardt
Dan Reichardt
Where not noted, images by Dan and Amber Reichardt or from commons.wikimedia.org/