Reduce Water Use (6 Ways).
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If you want to reduce your household energy bills then its worth considering your water heater. Water heaters account for a third of all household energy consumption.
Water is one utility that does not cost a lot of money, but it shouldn’t be neglected when looking for ways to reduce utility bills. Some parts of the country raise their water rates during the summer months to discourage use. If you live in one of these areas, it will be even more worth your time to find ways to reduce your water bill.
There are four ways to cut your water heating bills:
• Use less hot water,
• Turn down the thermostat on your water heater,
• Insulate your water heater,
• Buy a new, more efficient water heater.
Here are some ideas:
- Make sure that the faucets and pipes are not leaking. Leaking pipes can cost you hundreds of dollars per year. Tighten up dripping faucets and leaking pipes.
- Toilet flushing can cost you a lot of money on your water bill. Try switching over to a dual flush toilet handle they can save you money.
- Cut down on the amount of time to take a shower. Showers should be no longer than 5 minutes. Also try changing your shower head. They have energy efficient and water saving shower heads.
- When washing dishes don’t run the water on full power, keep it to a minimum. Don’t run the dishwasher if you have less than a half full load. You are not only wasting the water but you are wasting electricity.
- If you have the time to wash dishes by hand, do it!
- Make sure that all of your outdoor water faucets are not dripping. Most people don’t pay much attention to those outside hoses, out of sight out of mind. But these leaks can cost you money every month and you may not realize it.
Lower the thermostat on your water heater; water heaters often arrive from the manufacture with high temperature settings, a setting of 49В°C provides nice hot water for most people. Reduce the amount of baths that you have within any given week, try to take more showers. Or if you have children let one child take one bath and then another child can use the water. This may sound not very hygienic but there was a time when water was not running from taps and people had to be a lot more economical with water that they would collect from wells. If you have an old electric water heater storage tank insulate it with an insulation blanket, be careful not to cover the thermostat as this can skew your temperature control.
Insulate the first 6-8 feet of the hot and cold water pipes connected to the water heater. Most water heaters last for around 10-5 years, it’s best to start shopping for a new one if yours is more than 7 years old. Research what’s on the market before your current water heater fails as this will enable you to select a heater that meets your needs.
For long-term savings don’t skrimp on your initial purchase a standard water heater may cost less initially, however look at the big picture and the savings that can be made through buying an energy efficient heater, year on year… [read more]
Take time to walk through your home and the outside and check all faucets and correct any leaks that you may find.
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