Once, years ago, homeowners took potable water for granted. Nearly two decades back, however, utility rates began to rise, and they haven’t stopped since. That’s why water conservation is important to you, not to the mention the beneficial impact you can have on the environment by conserving water. Here’s an easy five-step plan to use less water and shore up the drain on your wallet.
- Install low-flow fixtures: The conventional flow rate for showerheads and faucets is 2.5 gallons per minute. Older fixtures consume even more. Super-efficient faucets use as little as 0.5 gallons per minute and equivalent showerheads consume 1.5 gallons per minute.
- Replace old toilets: Until recently, the standard toilet flush volume was three to five gallons per flush (gpf). Today, however, low-flow toilets can achieve flush volumes as low as 1.6 gpf. Selecting a dual-flush toilet is even better, since it uses 1.6 gpf for solid waste and only 1.1 gpf for liquid waste.
- Install a recirculation pump: This helps the water at the tap get hot fast so you don’t pour a gallon or more down the sink waiting for it to heat up. A hot water recirculation pump can be activated by a thermostat, timer, motion sensor or with the touch of a button. As a bonus, cooled-off water returns to the water heater where it’s brought back to temperature more efficiently.
- Purchase high-efficiency hot water appliances: If your dishwasher or washing machine is near the end of its life, consider Energy Star-qualified replacements to aid your efforts in conserving water. Energy Star appliances come with many features to customize your dish washing and clothes washing experience, all while saving water, energy and detergent.
- Set up rain barrels at gutter downspouts: In the summer, up to 40 percent of your home’s water consumption may go toward irrigation. Storing rain water from the roof in rain barrels is an efficient way to collect up to 55 gallons at a time to water your lawn and garden for free.
With these tips for conserving water, you’re well on your way toward lowering monthly water bills. Contact James Lane today to learn more.
