The bathroom is the place where most household water is used, so if you install energy-efficient appliances there, you’ll see big savings. Now is the time to do it because a recent study by the American Water Works Association revealed that the U.S. water system will need $1 trillion worth of repairs over the next 25 years. Those costs will indubitably be transferred to all of us in the form of higher utility bills. However, if you install these three bathroom appliances now, you can minimize or eliminate these cost increases. Most likely, you’ll also find that your overall water bill is significantly less, even after the increase.
Change your Faucets
Faucets and shower heads are often kept running while you brush your teeth, shower or bathe. So, it’s easy to understand how a lot of water is wasted in the bathroom. There’s actually a technical term called “gpm” or “gallons per minute” that refers to just how much water faucets and shower heads use. The gpm is imprinted on the side of the unit.
If you want to decrease water consumption by up to 50percent, look for low-flow faucets and shower head aerators. Low-flow faucet aerators are rated at 2.75 gpm or lower. Low-flow shower head aerators are rated at 2.5 gpm. Don’t worry if you like strong water pressure. Aerators decrease water consumption without decreasing water pressure.
Low-flow Toilets
Prior to 1994, toilets used three to five gallons of water per flush (gpf). That was much more than needed, so the government enacted laws that mandated that toilets only use only 1.6 gallons, but this is still high. Manufacturers have now created a better water-saving solution with high-efficiency, single-flush toilets that use only 1.28 gpf. Even cleverer, they now produce a dual-flush toilet, which has two separate cycles: one that uses just 0.8 gallons for liquids and 1.6 gpf for solids. Investing in a dual-flush, high-efficiency toilet saves a lot of water.
Tankless and Solar Water Heaters
A conventional water heater stores from 20 to 80 gallons of hot water at all times. This wastes energy when a hot water tap isn’t running. Most hot water is used in the bathroom, so switching to an eco-friendly hot water heater can save money. Water heating accounts for 14 to 25 percent of household energy use. That’s why it pays to install an energy-efficient water heater, such as a tankless water heater or solar water heater.
Tankless water heaters use gas or electric heating elements to provide hot water only as needed. Since they don’t store water, they don’t produce standby heat loss, plus you will never run out of hot water. These water heaters can save you 25 to 50 percent on your power bill and they take up less space.
You can also install a solar water heater, which consists of an insulated storage tank, thermostat and solar collector that uses free power from the sun to heat the water. Many people complement a solar water heater with a tankless one for cloudy days and times of increased hot water usage. A solar water heater can result in significant savings on your utility bill and the government provides tax credits on these and tankless water heaters.
Investing in high-efficiency toilets, tankless or solar water heaters and low-flow faucets is expensive, but the return is long-term savings. Reduce water consumption in your bathroom and you won’t pay as much to help restore the entire U.S. water system!
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Disclosure
The information in this article is intended to provide guidance on the proper maintenance and care of systems and appliances in the home. Not all of the topics mentioned are covered by our home warranty. Please review your home warranty contract carefully to understand your coverage.
