As a homeowner, you’re always looking for ways to save money on your utility bills while reducing your environmental footprint. One area that can have a significant impact on both of these goals is your plumbing system. By making a few eco-friendly upgrades, you can save water and energy in your home. This blog post will discuss the top five eco-friendly plumbing upgrades you can implement to save water and energy in your Peterborough, ON, home.
Install a Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand or instantaneous water heaters, heat water only when needed. This means they use significantly less energy than traditional tank-style water heaters, which constantly heat and store hot water. According to Energy.gov, tankless water heaters can be 24%-34% more energy-efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters for homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily. This upgrade can result in significant energy and cost savings over time.
Install Low-Flow Fixtures
Low-flow fixtures, such as faucets, showerheads, and toilets, use less water than their traditional counterparts. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), replacing old, inefficient fixtures with WaterSense-labeled models can save the average household nearly 13,000 gallons of water and more than $100 in water costs per year. This helps conserve water resources and reduces the energy needed to heat and transport water throughout your home.
- Faucets: Low-flow faucets use aerators to mix air with water, reducing the flow rate without sacrificing water pressure. Look for models with a flow rate of 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm) or less.
- Showerheads: Low-flow showerheads also use aerators to maintain water pressure while reducing flow rates. Look for models with a flow rate of 2.0 gpm or less.
- Toilets: High-efficiency toilets use 1.28 gallons of water per flush or less, compared to the 3.5 to 7 gallons used by older models. Dual-flush toilets, which have separate flush options for liquid and solid waste, can save even more water.
Insulate Hot Water Pipes
Insulating your hot water pipes can help reduce heat loss as water travels from your water heater to your fixtures. This means you’ll use less energy to heat water and waste less water waiting for it to reach the desired temperature. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, insulating hot water pipes can save you 3%-4% on water heating costs.
Fix Leaks Promptly
Leaky faucets, showerheads, and toilets can save significant water over time. The EPA estimates household leaks can waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water annually. By fixing leaks promptly, you can conserve water and reduce your water bill.
Upgrade to a Smart Irrigation System
If you have a lawn or garden, upgrading to a smart irrigation system can help you save water and energy. These systems use weather data and soil moisture sensors to determine the optimal watering schedule for your landscape, reducing water waste and promoting healthy plant growth.
At Cardinal Plumbing & Electric, we are committed to helping Peterborough, ON; homeowners save water and energy through eco-friendly plumbing upgrades. Our experienced team can assess your current plumbing system and recommend the best upgrades to meet your conservation goals.
Contact Cardinal Plumbing & Electric today to learn more about our Eco-Friendly Plumbing & How to Save Water and Energy in Your Home services and to schedule an appointment