Ways To Conserve Water and Energy and Save on Utility Bills

By Madelaine, on April 15th, 2009

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Lower Your Utility Bills

Here is one of those two-for deals. You can conserve water, save energy and save money on your utility bills at the same time.

Save on your water heating bill:

1. Don’t heat the water so hot

Lower the temperature setting on the water heater to 120 degrees— that temperature will prevent bacteria from building up and will still be sufficient to generate enough hot water for most uses.

Add an insulation “jacket” to the tank and wrap any exposed pipes to save up to 15 percent of hot water cost.

Every 3 months drain one quart of water from the tank to remove any sediment that impedes heat transfer and lowers the efficiency of the hot water heater.

When you replace the heater look for the Energy Star and EnergyGuide labels.

2. Use less hot water

Bathroom – Fix leaky faucets and plumbing joints -save 20 gallons a day per leak.

Install low-flow shower head – save 800 gallons a month.

Install aerators on faucets – if added to bathrooms and kitchen sinks save 1000 gallons a year.

Take shorter showers – one or two minute reduction saves 700 gallons a month.

Laundry room -

With many choices of cold water detergents, “warm” or “hot” water settings can be reserved for only really dirty clothes.

Run full loads.

Wash bulky bedding and/or towels separately from lighter-weight clothing items. This will help dryer work more efficiently. While the dryer doesn’t use water directly, maximizing its performance is key to cutting energy cost.

When purchasing a new washing machine look for Energy Start and EnergyGuide labels. Also, front-loading horizontal axis types save energy and water.

Kitchen -

Install 7 gallon per load dishwasher to replace older model (9.5 to 12 gallon). You can save 940 kWh per year.

Make setting adjustments to conserve water and energy. Check manufacturer’s instructions for your options. For example, choose no-heat drying option.

Scrap don’t pre-wash dishes.

Wash only full loads.

Select light-wash option. Experts say that it is rarely necessary to use the normal setting on a dishwasher.

Don’t let water for cooking run until it’s hot that’s heating it twice.

Use the disposal less, and the garbage can more — even better COMPOST!

See our related post Cheap Air Purifier Filters

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