Environmentally Friendly Solutions
It seems as if everyone is talking about going green and plumbing is no exception. Aside from just helping the planet, eco-friendly plumbing can also save you some serious money. If you're building a new house, remodeling, or replacing old plumbing consider these:
- Water Saver Toilets
- Low Flow Shower Heads & Faucets
- High Efficiency Water Heaters
- Tankless Water Heaters
- Energy Star Appliances
- Insulating Hot and Cold Water Pipes
- Solar & More!
Your wallet will appreciate it.
Water Saver Toilets
Old toilets use about 5 gallons per flush so a family of four uses more than 140 gallons of water per day by flushing alone. Water saver toilets use 1.6 gallons which would only be 40 gallons per day saving 100 gallons of water per day.
Low Flow Shower Heads & Faucets
Showers account for 22% of the water use in North America. Depending on the type of showerhead you use, you could be using anywhere from 2.5 to 5 gallons every minute you're in the shower. Your faucets consume another 15% of your water just to provide for washing your hands, shaving, and brushing your teeth. Low-flow shower heads and faucets are inexpensive and can reduce your water consumption by half!
High Efficiency Water Heaters
Heating water accounts for approximately 15% of a home's energy use. High efficiency water heaters use up to 50% less energy than standard water heaters.
Tankless Water Heaters
Water circulated through a large coil is heated on demand using electricity or gas which means there is no storage tank continuously maintaining hot water. There is an endless supply of hot water and energy losses are eliminated.
Energy Star Appliances
ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. If you purchase an energy-efficient product or renewable energy system for your home, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit. Energy Star distinguishes energy efficient products which, although they may cost more to purchase than standard models, will pay you back in lower energy bills within a reasonable amount of time, without a tax credit.
Solar Plumbing
While the initial purchase of solar water heaters is high compared to standard models, they can be cost effective. The sun's energy is harnessed to reduce operating costs up to 90%. Solar water heating systems require a conventional water heater as a backup water heating source to ensure hot water is available when solar energy is not.
