As the economy begins to slowly improve, many home owners in Arizona still struggle to make ends meet each month. And although we try very hard to save every penny possible, one of the biggest monthly expenses is the monthly utility bill. But did you know that there are a few things you can do to help improve your home energy efficiency with water usage? It’s true – and believe it or not, some of these ideas will save you money on energy bills all year long.
Tips To Save Money Each Month By Thinking About Water Usage:
- If you don’t already have them, install low-flow shower heads and faucets inside your home. These aerating fixtures can save you up to 25% on monthly water usage and also cut down on energy usage as well.
- Make sure to repair leaking faucets as soon as possible. Believe it or not a leaking water faucet can waste several gallons of water each day if left unchecked and un-repaired.
- Make sure to set your water heater thermostat to approximately 120°F. This will allow you to have comfortable, yet hot enough water to clean and use any other household major appliances, but not too hot as to waste energy. It is estimated that reducing your home water tank temperature by only 5 degrees can save you as much as 15% on your monthly energy bills – especially during winter when water is naturally cooler and takes longer to heat.
- Insulate your hot water storage tank. It is always recommended that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for insulating a water tank, and even more important not to insulate the thermostat, the top or bottom of the unit and the burner compartment.
- Another great tip, especially during winter is to insulate the first 6′ of cold and hot water pipes that are connected to the water heater as well.
- If you are in need of replacing your washing machine, make sure to buy a water efficient model. Not only will this type of energy efficient washing machine save you money on water, but if they are Energy Star® rated, they will also save a ton of money on energy bills each month.
- Finally, make sure you drain at least a quart of water from the hot water tank at least every three months. This will allow the sediment that collects on the bottom of the water tank to be drained, allowing the water to heat and flow much more efficiently. It might seem like a tedious task, but it has been shown to save you money on utility costs.
The bottom line is that the less water you use on a daily basis, over a long period of time can significantly reduce your overall energy usage inside and outside the house. The direct result is not only will you increase home energy efficiency, but you’ll also be helping the environment as well.