So, what are some things that you can do to save money, and the environment when it comes to plumbing in your home? Here’s a list of ideas to start saving green by going green in the plumbing department.
- Insulate pipes. Uninsulated pipes, especially in exterior walls, are responsible for a significant amount of heat loss as water travels from your water heater to the faucet. Insulating your pipes helps to eliminate this problem, and can cut standby energy loss at your water heater as well, saving you even more on your utility bills.
- Remove plumbing from exterior walls. If you can, avoid running your home’s plumbing through outside walls. By running pipes through conditioned spaced instead, you’ll reduce unnecessary heat loss caused by close proximity to cold outdoor temperatures.
- Install an On-Demand Hot Water Circulation Pump. These pumps send hot water to your fixtures in a matter of seconds, saving you money on two fronts. For starters, you won’t lose heat as hot water unnecessarily sits unused in the pipes, and since you won’t have to run water at the faucet while you wait for hot water to arrive, you’ll reduce your water usage, as well. Some pumps have a built in timer that makes them even more efficient.
- Install a Tankless Water Heater. This type of water heater only heats water as you need it, thereby eliminating the standby heat loss associated with traditional tank water heaters. This helps decrease your energy usage and lower your utility bills.
- Install a New Water Heater. Water heating can account for as much as 15 percent of your total home energy use. Replacing an older unit with a new, high efficiency one can have a big impact when it comes to reducing your home heating costs.
