By now, you’re probably well aware of what it means to go green. As a homeowner, it’s sensible to make eco-friendly choices when it comes to your home. Not only are energy-efficient appliances and fixtures good for the environment, but they also can save you a lot of money on your monthly energy bills. Here are some good reasons to make environmentally conscious decisions regarding your home’s plumbing. For more information, contact Eagerton Plumbing in Jacksonville today.
Upgrade Your Old Hot Water Heater
An appliance in the home that uses a lot of energy is your hot water heater. The most common type of water heater found in homes is a standard storage-tank model—a large cylindrical unit that houses a reservoir of heated water that’s constantly kept at a set temperature. Older storage-tank water heaters tend not to be as energy efficient as newer models, which are insulated and have better water-heating capabilities. If your current water heater has been running for 10 years or more, consider upgrading to an insulated storage-tank water heater, a solar-powered unit, or a tankless water heater.
Switch to Water-Saving Toilets and Bathroom Fixtures
Conventional toilets are water wasters—the amount of water used with each flush tends to be excessive and unnecessary. Energy-efficient toilets use water sparingly when flushed, and many offer innovative flushing technologies that can effectively accommodate both liquid and solid waste accordingly. If you’re planning a bathroom remodel, opt for a dual-flush toilet. Also, replace dated faucets and showerheads with fixtures that have aerating mechanisms. By adding air to water, aerators create the sensation of strong water pressure while using very little water.
Insulate Your Pipes
By insulating your home’s plumbing pipes, you can rest assured that your water is kept either warm during the cold months or cool during the summer for a longer period of time—lessening or eliminating the need to use more energy to heat or cool the water in your pipes.