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Water Tips
Using the WaterSense label
By making just a few small changes to your daily routine, you can save a significant amount of water which will help you save money and preserve water supplies for future generations. The WaterSense label, a partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will help you identify high-efficiency products and programs for certified irrigation professionals.
For example, consider replacing your toilet if it is from 1992 or earlier; you probably have an inefficient model that uses at least 3.5 gallons per flush. New and improved high-efficiency toilets use less than 1.3 gallons per flush—that's at least 60% less than their older, less efficient counterparts. Compared to a 3.5 gallons per flush toilet, a WaterSense labeled toilet could save a family of four more than $90 annually on their water bill, and $2,000 over the lifetime of the toilet.
Learn more at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
By making just a few small changes to your daily routine, you can save a significant amount of water which will help you save money and preserve water supplies for future generations. The WaterSense label, a partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will help you identify high-efficiency products and programs for certified irrigation professionals.
For example, consider replacing your toilet if it is from 1992 or earlier; you probably have an inefficient model that uses at least 3.5 gallons per flush. New and improved high-efficiency toilets use less than 1.3 gallons per flush—that's at least 60% less than their older, less efficient counterparts. Compared to a 3.5 gallons per flush toilet, a WaterSense labeled toilet could save a family of four more than $90 annually on their water bill, and $2,000 over the lifetime of the toilet.
Learn more at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
How to Spot a Leak
Fix leaky faucets. Faucets that drip at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water each year. If you're unsure whether you have a leak, read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, you probably have a leak. A leaky toilet can waste about 200 gallons of water every day. To tell if your toilet has a leak, place a drop of food coloring in the tank; if the color shows in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.
Learn more at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Fix leaky faucets. Faucets that drip at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water each year. If you're unsure whether you have a leak, read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, you probably have a leak. A leaky toilet can waste about 200 gallons of water every day. To tell if your toilet has a leak, place a drop of food coloring in the tank; if the color shows in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.
Learn more at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Reducing Your Water Heating Bills
Water heating can account for between 14-25% of a home's energy consumption. It is the second-largest energy expense in U.S. households behind space heating and cooling.
Selecting the right type of water heater and using energy-efficient water heating strategies can help homeowners reduce their energy use, lower their utility bills, and enjoy adequate amounts of hot water. The challenge is to determine the type and size of water heater best suited to the needs of a specific home.
The first step in achieving lower water-heating bills involves reducing hot water use. This should be done even before considering the purchase of a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Reducing hot water use can be accomplished by installing low-flow fixtures, fixing leaks, and purchasing an energy-efficient dishwasher and clothes washer.
Learn more at Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Residential Buildings
Water heating can account for between 14-25% of a home's energy consumption. It is the second-largest energy expense in U.S. households behind space heating and cooling.
Selecting the right type of water heater and using energy-efficient water heating strategies can help homeowners reduce their energy use, lower their utility bills, and enjoy adequate amounts of hot water. The challenge is to determine the type and size of water heater best suited to the needs of a specific home.
The first step in achieving lower water-heating bills involves reducing hot water use. This should be done even before considering the purchase of a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Reducing hot water use can be accomplished by installing low-flow fixtures, fixing leaks, and purchasing an energy-efficient dishwasher and clothes washer.
Learn more at Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Residential Buildings
Choosing a Water Heating System
The most common type of home water heater is the conventional storage water heater. They range in capacity from 20 to 80 gallons of hot water and can operate on a variety of energy sources. This type of system, although the most common, is generally not the most efficient as it continually heats a large quantity of water whether it's needed or not.
There are a number of choices beyond the conventional storage water heater, including demand (tankless) water heaters, heat pumps, solar heaters, and tankless coil and indirect water-heating systems. Choosing the best water-heating system for a home requires an understanding of how each type works and the comparative advantages of one system over another.
Information on hot water energy-saving tips, explanations of different hot water systems and criteria for selection and purchase are available at the following links:
The most common type of home water heater is the conventional storage water heater. They range in capacity from 20 to 80 gallons of hot water and can operate on a variety of energy sources. This type of system, although the most common, is generally not the most efficient as it continually heats a large quantity of water whether it's needed or not.
There are a number of choices beyond the conventional storage water heater, including demand (tankless) water heaters, heat pumps, solar heaters, and tankless coil and indirect water-heating systems. Choosing the best water-heating system for a home requires an understanding of how each type works and the comparative advantages of one system over another.
Information on hot water energy-saving tips, explanations of different hot water systems and criteria for selection and purchase are available at the following links:
- A Consumer's Guide to Selecting a New Water Heater
- A Consumer's Guide to Energy-Efficient Water Heating
- Energy Saver Tips on Water Heating
Insulation
Insulate your existing water heater - not only will you save energy but you'll waste less while waiting for the hot water to flow. If your electric water heater was installed before 2004, installing an insulating jacket is one of the most effective do-it-yourself energy-saving projects, especially if your water heater is in an unheated space. The insulating jacket will reduce standby heat loss (heat lost through the walls of the tank) by 25–40%, saving 4–9% on your water heating bills. Water heater insulation jackets are widely available for around $10. Always follow directions carefully when installing an insulation jacket.
Insulating your hot water pipes will reduce losses as the hot water is flowing to your faucet and, more importantly, it will reduce standby losses when the tap is turned off and back on again within an hour or so. A great deal of energy and water is wasted waiting for the hot water to reach the tap. Even when pipes are insulated, the water in the pipes will eventually cool, but it stays warmer much longer than it would if the pipes weren’t insulated.
Learn more at the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy
Insulate your existing water heater - not only will you save energy but you'll waste less while waiting for the hot water to flow. If your electric water heater was installed before 2004, installing an insulating jacket is one of the most effective do-it-yourself energy-saving projects, especially if your water heater is in an unheated space. The insulating jacket will reduce standby heat loss (heat lost through the walls of the tank) by 25–40%, saving 4–9% on your water heating bills. Water heater insulation jackets are widely available for around $10. Always follow directions carefully when installing an insulation jacket.
Insulating your hot water pipes will reduce losses as the hot water is flowing to your faucet and, more importantly, it will reduce standby losses when the tap is turned off and back on again within an hour or so. A great deal of energy and water is wasted waiting for the hot water to reach the tap. Even when pipes are insulated, the water in the pipes will eventually cool, but it stays warmer much longer than it would if the pipes weren’t insulated.
Learn more at the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy
Adjusting the Thermostat
Lower the water heater temperature. Keep your water heater thermostat set at the lowest temperature that provides you with sufficient hot water. For most households, 120°F water is fine (about midway between the “low” and “medium” setting). Each 10°F reduction in water temperature will generally save 3–5% on your water heating costs. When you are going away on vacation, you can turn the thermostat down to the lowest possible setting, or turn the water heater off altogether for additional savings. With a gas water heater, make sure you know how to relight the pilot if you’re going to turn it off while away.
Learn more at the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy
Lower the water heater temperature. Keep your water heater thermostat set at the lowest temperature that provides you with sufficient hot water. For most households, 120°F water is fine (about midway between the “low” and “medium” setting). Each 10°F reduction in water temperature will generally save 3–5% on your water heating costs. When you are going away on vacation, you can turn the thermostat down to the lowest possible setting, or turn the water heater off altogether for additional savings. With a gas water heater, make sure you know how to relight the pilot if you’re going to turn it off while away.
Learn more at the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy
Repurposing Water
Consider repurposing water for irrigation. Graywater systems typically recycle wash water from sinks, tubs, showers and clothes washers. Rainwater harvesting systems direct rainwater from the roof into barrels or above- or underground tanks.
States vary in their approach to graywater use. Check with your state or municipality’s department of environmental protection for details.
Learn more at the U.S. Green Building Council
Consider repurposing water for irrigation. Graywater systems typically recycle wash water from sinks, tubs, showers and clothes washers. Rainwater harvesting systems direct rainwater from the roof into barrels or above- or underground tanks.
States vary in their approach to graywater use. Check with your state or municipality’s department of environmental protection for details.
Learn more at the U.S. Green Building Council
