Plain and simple, when we conserve water, gas or electricity, you’ll save money and our planet. For those homeowners living in older homes, it may be time to take a close look at your outdated appliances, toilets, fixtures, faucets, pipes, and your home’s irrigation system. While some appliances, such as a water heater, may require a minor investment, there are other things you can do that require minimal cost to improve our water consumption. You may not see a complete return on your investment on a water heater right away, but over time it could pay for itself. It’s a fact that saving water and energy will save our planet.
Saving Water And Energy – By Purchasing The Right Water Heater
Let’s start at the top and move down. A water heater would be the most significant investment. A storage-tank water heater will save 22% to 30% in energy cost over heaters that have exceeded ten years old. Also, an ENERGY STAR qualified high-efficiency gas storage water heater can save an additional 8% over standard models. According to the U.S Department of Energy, a gas-powered tankless water heater can save a homeowner $108 a year and last more than twenty years. The downside is the cost of installation could be three times that of a storage tank heater. Either way, you’ll see the energy savings right away. Saving water and energy will preserve our planet.
Saving Water And Energy – By Purchasing The Right Washer
Did you know that front load washing machines use half the water compared to that of a top-load? Additionally, a top-load washer uses 400 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year compared to 150 kilowatt-hours used per year in a front-load. The information is based on a national average of a typical family of four. However, there is one thing to consider. If the washer were to break, replacement parts cost much more in a front-loader. For example, the barrel in a top-load washer would cost around $80 and in a front-load, $250. Saving water and energy will preserve our planet.
Irrigation Leaks Are Big Water Wasters
One of the biggest water wasters is our irrigation system. Every year, at least once or twice a year, a homeowner should test their home for water leaks. Turn off all the water in your home, then check your water meter. Write down the meter reading. Give it thirty minutes then recheck the reading. If it changed to a higher reading, you have a water leak in your home. Don’t stop there. With the water still off, take down the new meter reading then turn your irrigation valve to “off.” Wait another 30 minutes and recheck. If the meter reading has completely stopped, then the leak is in your irrigation. If it continues moving, then it’s in your home.
Finding A Water Leak Is Half The Battle, Fixing It Is The Other Half.
If the leak is in the irrigation, a homeowner can inspect the areas around their home for puddling or lush green spots on their grass. If you cannot locate the leak, you may need to contact a landscape contractor. If the leak is in your home and you’ve checked for the obvious such as a leaking toilet, dripping shower, or faucet, then it’s time to call in your plumbing contractor for a leak inspection. Saving water and energy will preserve our planet. Call Big B’s Plumbing Today – License #986152.
