You can’t always increase your income at the drop of a hat, but there are ways to quickly reduce your expenses. Saving money on the utilities is a fast and easy way to keep more of your money. Here are some plumbing trends than can save you money on your home utility bills.
Lose the Traditional Hot Water Tank
Hot water tanks may be great for providing hot water when you want it, but keeping that huge container of water hot at all times comes at a cost on the energy bill. A simple change that homeowners can make is to exchange the hot water tank for a tankless hot water heater. Rather than trying to keep 40 or 60 gallons of water hot at all times, you will only heat the water you are actually using.
Tankless hot water heaters will cost more to install initially due to necessary changes in plumbing structure. However, they will save you money on the gas or electric bill because you will eliminate a great deal of heat loss.
If you live in an area that gets plenty of sunshine throughout the year, another option is to replace the hot water tank with a solar water heater. Required equipment includes a solar collector, pump, solar hot water tanks, piping and back-up water heater. However, you will be richly rewarded with a green option and free hot water.
Save that Greywater
Greywater comes from the sinks, tubs and showers of the home. It can be collected, treated and reused, provided the proper equipment is in place. While greywater that is collected can not be used for drinking and cooking, it is ideal for outdoor irrigation purposes. These systems are simple to install when a house is under construction.
Another option for recycling water that would otherwise be wasted is to install collection cisterns on your home’s gutter system. They are inexpensive to purchase, simple to install and easy to use, so you can water your yard without worrying about the water bill.
Put Greywater to Immediate Use
When the toilet is flushed, it immediately refills with fresh water. However, the toilet basin is the ideal spot for recycling greywater. Under-the-counter collection systems will collect greywater from the bathroom sink and direct it to the toilet basin when needed. A special splice is required for the drain line, as well as a sanitizing piece. Households report saving several thousand gallons of water with these systems.
Saving water is more than turning off the tap while brushing your teeth. These systems will help you save money on the water and other utility bills without having to remember any special steps.
