Did you know that there are several quick and easy updates you can make in your bathroom that will save you money each and every time you enter the room? Improving water and energy efficiency is easier than ever before thanks to some mass market products that are made to replace our old standards. With each update you make, you could save gallons of water each day, reducing your water bills and preserving one of our most important natural resources! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Plan for Efficiency
Whether you are doing a full remodel or just making a few changes, it is important that you have efficiency in mind while you shop. Look for Energy Star and Water Conservation ratings on all products that you buy to help you save along the way. Even small savings can add up over the long haul.
Toilets
Toilets are one of our biggest water wasters. In the past, toilets used up to five full gallons of water every single time we flushed. Over time, we discovered that it simply does not require that much water to get our waste out of the house. You will find that there are several options available. The most efficient toilets today use only about 1.5 gallons of water to get the job done. If you have multiple people living in your house using the toilet throughout the day, it is easy to see how you can save dozens of gallons of water in no time. If you are still concerned about water pressure when you flush, you can opt for a dual-flushing system which allows you to use a little bit of extra water when flushing solids while reducing your overall water consumption.
Shower Heads and Tubs
Water saving showerheads have become so popular that some municipalities are sending them out for free or offering rebates when you buy. Some people worry that a water saving showerhead won’t give them the pressure and intensity they like with their morning routine. However, the latest shower heads use creative physics to create a strong spray while still limiting the amount of waste. Changing your shower head is a simple project that requires only a couple of tools and no exceptional skills. You can switch all of your shower heads in an afternoon.
Faucets
Your sink faucet may also be a culprit in water waste. Fortunately, this is another easy fix. While you could spring for a whole new faucet to replace the old one, you could just go with a faucet aerator. These handy devices simply screw on to the end of the faucet and break up the water particles to create a finer flow. This makes the water go further when you are washing your hands or brushing your teeth and can reduce your waste by up to 50%. As always, remembering to shut off your faucet while you are brushing is still important.
Water Heaters
Old style tank water heaters are on their way out. These systems are particularly wasteful because they continue to draw water and keep it heated, even when nobody in the house is using any water. Today’s tankless systems are becoming more affordable and offer significant savings on both power and water bills. The heating element and pump only kick on when you are actually using water, which means that there is no waste when you are away. Also, these systems are far less likely to experience leaks and other critical failures that have been known to damage homes. A tankless system takes up less space and comes with an Energy Star rating to show that they are designed for efficiency from top to bottom.
Lighting
Lastly, the type of lighting you use in your bathroom is just as important as your fixtures. If you have not already switched over to energy efficient lights, now is the time to do so. This is just one more way that you can improve your home’s efficiency without spending an arm and a leg.
If you are ready to start your bathroom updates, you may want to call a plumber in Phoenix to help you get going. Installing a new water heater or changing a toilet is a large task that Phoenix plumbers can handle with ease. Day and Night Air is happy to help residents in the Phoenix area bring their homes up to date with energy efficient tips for your home that will save you money each and every day.