Saving water and energy is good for the environment and cuts down on expenses. It can reduce your monthly water bill, minimize repairs, and increase the lifespan of your appliances. But how exactly do you save water and energy at home? Read on for some simple tips that go a long way.
Run Dishwashers and Washing Machines Only When Full
Many people do the dishes and the laundry when there’s just a small load. We understand that it’s often convenient to do this, but it’s also very inefficient. Each time you run these appliances, they use up a great deal of energy and water. So it’s much more efficient to make sure you have a full load of laundry or set of dirty dishes before using them. For dishes, it’s also a good idea to scrape off any food and give them a quick rinse. This prevents you from needing to run items in the dishwasher more than once.
Fix Dripping Faucets
We’ve all seen and heard a dripping faucet at home. Many of us just put up with the problem without giving it a second thought because we don’t realize how much water is being wasted. It might only look like a tiny drop that comes out of the faucet, but imagine how much that adds up over the course of a month or a year. Furthermore, dripping faucets can sometimes indicate that there’s problems with important components, which can cause more expensive problems down the road. For all of these reasons, it’s best to fix a dripping faucet as soon as you notice it. Also, don’t forget about leaky faucets outdoors, so be sure to check your water spouts and hoses.
Insulate Pipes
Uninsulated or improperly insulated pipes are extremely inefficient because they force your plumbing and appliances to work harder than they need to. Also, they’re more likely to break or burst, which can lead to expensive repairs, flooding, water damage, and much more. So make sure that your pipes are properly insulated and you won’t have to worry about these potential problems.
Don’t Leave the Water Running
When you’re washing dishes by hand, brushing your teeth, or shaving, it’s easy to just leave the faucet on continually. But you can conserve a lot of energy and water by turning off the faucet in between tasks. Similarly, you can save water and energy by reducing the length of your showers and baths.
Choose Plants and Shrubs Wisely
If you’re into landscaping and gardening, you’ve probably noticed that some plants, shrubs, and flowers take more water than others. By choosing ones that are resistant to droughts, you won’t need to water them as much. Not only does this save you time and energy, but it also reduces the need for water and energy.
At Jeff Lowe Plumbing, we’ve been around for over a century. If you need additional tips on saving water and energy, just let us know. We also carry a large selection of energy and water efficient components for water heaters, AC units, and furnaces.
