Water Saving Tips for Your Home

Water saving is important because water is an increasingly scarce resource for many people and because there is a carbon cost in purifying water. As we all know, it is important that we all do our bit towards reducing our energy needs and slowing climate change. Conserving water is a small part of that effort!

Guest article by Jessica Ackerman.

Eco-Friendly Water SavingTips for Around the House

Because heating the water in your home generally accounts for over ten percent of your overall utility bill, finding ways to cut your water heating bills can go a long way towards saving energy and reducing your costs. There are a number of ways you can help by making a few changes in your water usage habits.

Reduce water waste

One of the easiest methods to save water and energy is to simply reduce the amount of water you use.

Check your faucets for leaks and drips, since even this small amount of wasted water adds up quickly. Toilet tanks that leak or keep running will also waste water.

Use shower heads, faucets and toilets that reduce the amount of water used.

When watering your lawn and garden, use water-efficient drip irrigation hoses or automated irrigation systems, instead of oscillating or wide spray sprinklers.

Use the proper water level when washing clothes, and only run the dishwasher when you have a full load. Always make sure you are using energy efficient appliances that are designed to save water and energy.

Compost your kitchen scraps to add to the garden instead of using a sink garbage disposal system to save water.

Reduce Water Heating Costs

There are also a number of things you can do around your home to reduce the amount of energy you use for water heating.

Never keep your hot water heater set higher than necessary. As a general rule, 120 degrees Fahrenheit is hot enough for most uses, although water heaters commonly come from the factory with a higher temperature set by default.

Insulating hot water pipes can help reduce the loss of heat, and if your water heater manufacturer recommends it, you can also wrap your water heater in an insulating blanket. If your water heater is older and less efficient, replacing it with a new energy efficient model can save money and energy.

Compare the Energy Star label (or equivalent) when purchasing a water heater, and always make sure to choose a water heater that is appropriately sized for your family's water usage. An on demand or tankless water heater could also save money as compared to a tank water heater. These water heaters only heat the water when needed, as opposed to maintaining an entire tank of hot water around the clock, so they can often use significantly less energy.

In some locations, solar water heaters or heat pump water heaters can also be a money and energy-saving option.

Never use hot water when cold or warm water will suffice, such as when washing clothes. Washing clothes in warm or cold water and rinsing in cold water when using a detergent designed to clean in cold water can be just as effective as using hot water, while helping to preserve your clothing at the same time.

Always use the energy saving settings when operating the dishwasher, and remember that studies have shown that a dishwasher will always use less water and energy than washing dishes by hand. When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink with water to rinse the dishes instead of letting the water run.

Targeting “do it yourselfers," Jessica Ackerman writes regularly for WallDecorandHomeAccents.com, offering simple illustrations of grapes wall decor and tropical wall sculptures.
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