For a growing number of us, water conservation is a pressing concern. It’s estimated that the average U.S. household spends roughly $70 per month on water.
Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to curb water usage. By changing habits and upgrading appliances, you can save a boatload on utility bills. What’s more, water conservation reduces the human impact on the local environment. Here are eight effective ways to use less water in 2020.
1. Make the Switch to WaterSense Fixtures
One of the easiest ways to conserve water is by installing modern bathroom and kitchen fixtures. Fixtures that feature the WaterSense label reduce water consumption by upwards of 30%. Unlike older faucets that use 2.2 gallons per minute, WaterSense faucets have a flow rate of 1.5 gallons per minute. WaterSense fixtures deliver equal or superior performance than older fixtures while slashing utility costs.
2. Install a Hot Water Recirculation System
Every year, the average household wastes approximately 12,000 gallons of water while waiting for hot water to reach fixtures. A hot water recirculation system allows residents to enjoy nearly instant hot water delivery by returning unused hot water to the tank. A quality hot water recirculation system can be installed for as little as $500 and save thousands of gallons annually.
3. Adopt Smart Dishwasher Practices
If you learn to maximize the efficiency of your dishwasher, you can save a ton of water by preventing the need to rewash plates and cutlery. For starters, you don’t need to pre-rinse dirty dishes in the sink if you have a modern dishwasher. Furthermore, properly balancing your dishes on the racks will allow a dishwasher to blast off food debris effectively.
4. Buy a High-Efficiency Laundry Machine
It’s hardly an exaggeration to say that today’s washing machines blow older models out of the water when it comes to reducing utility bills. While a top-loading unit uses about 25 gallons per load, a high-efficiency front-loading model requires less than half that amount. An Energy Star front-loading washer can save you hundreds of gallons of water per month.
5. Opt for Dual-Flush Toilets
No matter where you live or how many people inhabit your household, toilets will account for 30% of daily water usage on average. If you’re already upgrading a toilet, choosing a dual-flush replacement unit will drastically reduce water waste. While dual-flush toilets cost more than traditional models, they pay for themselves in reduced utility expenses within a year or so.
6. Insulate Your Plumbing
Poorly insulated pipes can result in a surprising amount of wasted energy. Hot water pipes that lack adequate insulation will transfer thermal energy to the surrounding air more quickly than those that boast insulation. That means you’ll have to wait longer for hot water, making your water heater work harder.
7. Harvest Rainwater for Irrigation and Cleaning
Keeping your lawn green and your car spotless doesn’t have to cost a fortune in water bills if you collect rainwater when it falls. A rainwater collection system can be as simple as a plastic barrel positioned underneath a downspout. More complicated systems can be used to pipe rainwater indoors for showering or cleaning dishes.
8. Make the Most of Water-Saving Measures
Ultimately, there’s no shortage of options available when it comes to conserving water and saving money. The key to making any of the methods mentioned here successful is proper implementation. If a plumbing job is beyond your capabilities, calling in an experienced pro at Ken’s Plumbing is a wise investment in future water savings. To schedule an appointment, call (516) 796-2100.