How to Reduce Water and Energy Usage and Save Money for Earth Day
Eco-friendly plumbing fixtures and appliances can start saving homeowners money on their utility bills from the moment they’re installed by reducing a household’s energy and water usage. This blog post will discuss eco-friendly plumbing fixtures and appliances that can help homeowners save on utilities.
Save Water
Water-saving plumbing fixtures are becoming increasingly popular as people seek ways to conserve water, save money, and reduce their environmental footprint. Water-saving toilets, low-flow showerheads, and touchless faucets are some examples of fixtures that use less water. These water-saving showerheads and faucets reduce the amount of water used without sacrificing water pressure by adding air to the water.
There are several types of water-saving toilets, including dual flush toilets and pressure-assisted toilets. Toilets that use 1.28 gallons of water per flush or less are considered water-saving. Since toilets are the largest source of indoor water use in single-family homes, upgrading to a high-efficiency toilet can help homeowners save big.
Save Energy
When considering appliances for a home, energy efficiency is important. Investing in more efficient models can reduce the energy used and save homeowners money on their utility bills. For example, when purchasing a water heater, look for one that is Energy Star certified because they use less energy than conventional models while still providing enough hot water for a household.
Washing machines are another water-using appliance to consider energy efficiency for. Energy Star-certified ones will use less energy than standard models while also saving water. Upgrading to an energy-efficient washer leads to significant savings in both energy and water costs over time because Energy Star-certified washers use around 20 percent less energy and about 30 percent less water than others.
Pipes Can Also Contribute to Energy Efficiency
Pipe materials, diameter, and pipe system layout can also have energy-saving effects and contribute to energy efficiency in plumbing. The piping material can affect heat transfer and fluid flow, directly impacting how much energy is required to move material through the pipes. The diameter of the piping can also affect energy efficiency. Larger diameter pipes require lower pressure to move material, so less energy is needed to pump the material through the pipes. Meaning a well-designed system can also reduce the amount of pressure applied.
The layout of a pipe system is also important for maximizing energy efficiency. Utilizing strategically placed valves and pumps can reduce the energy needed to move material through a piping system, as these components regulate flow rate and pressure. Additionally, reducing pipe lengths between destinations can help conserve energy by minimizing the force required for transportation. All in all, carefully selecting pipe materials and diameters and designing an efficient layout while installing pipes or repiping are vital to maximizing energy efficiency.
About Lambert Plumbing & Heating, LTD
Lambert Plumbing & Heating, LTD has been a family-owned company serving the greater Vancouver area since 1977. They provide upfront pricing, 24/7 emergency services, and on-time arrival. Call them today for plumbing services in Vancouver, BC.
