Make Improvements That Put Money Back In Your Pocket
In the winter, utility prices typically increase as you turn up the heat to stay warm. But heating an entire home or apartment may be extremely expensive, especially given that experts anticipate a significant increase in heating prices this coming winter. As a result, it’s important to cut costs everywhere you can, particularly on your water bill.
Improving your water usage habits is an easy way to reduce monthly bills this winter, whether you’re worried about rising utility costs or trying to be more efficient. Here are some of the ways you can save money and water.
Water & Energy Saving Tips & Tricks
- Fix all leaky fixtures – This one may be rather obvious and not very likely, but leaks are a major culprit of unintentional water use in our homes. Be sure to check all of your fixtures (faucets, shower heads, etc).
- Install water-saving shower heads and faucet aerators – For maximum efficiency, install an aerated low flowing shower head with a shut-off valve. The shut-off valve will allow you to turn off the water while you shampoo and soap up, then you can immediately turn it back on without having to change the temperature. Both your water heating and water bills will go down as a result of doing this.
- Turn down your water heater – Some home heating systems can reach temperatures of up to 140°F, which is unnecessary and hot enough to seriously burn both an adult and child. Set your hot water heater to 120°F instead. By lowering the water’s temperature by 20 degrees, you can save a significant amount.
- Insulate your pipes – This is an easy DIY project that makes a difference. You can increase water temperature by 2 to 4 degrees by wrapping your pipes in fiberglass or pipe sleeves. This enables you to lower the water temperature setting, which results in yearly energy savings of 3 to 4 percent.
- Run full loads – While it may be tempting to run the dishwasher every night after dinner, hold off until it’s full. Only running full loads saves the average family 320 gallons of water annually. Be sure to upgrade to an Energy Star dishwasher
Small Changes Make A Big Difference
It’s no secret that the best solution to reduce your water cost is to use less water and upgrade to more energy-efficient appliances. Each of these simple adjustments, such as installing a faucet aerator or taking shorter showers, can teach you how to use water more wisely, which is good for both your wallet and the environment.
For more ways to save energy this winter, Check out energysaver.gov for Fall and Winter energy saving tips.
Works Cited
Filtrete. “7 Hacks for Hot-Water Savings.” Creative Ways to Save Money on Water Heating Bill, https://www.filtrete.com/3M/en_US/filtrete/home-tips/full-story/~/7-hacks-for-hot-water-savings/?storyid=32b5a567-a1ff-4b20-a2ec-6c9993241b79.
Freitas, Taylor. “Lower Your Water Bills All Winter Long with These Easy and Effective Tips.” CNET, CNET, 29 Oct. 2022, https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/lower-your-water-bills-all-winter-long-with-these-easy-and-effective-tips/.
Pendo. “7 Frugal Tips to Save Money on Your Winter Bills.” The Easiest Property Management Software for Landlords and Property Management Companies, https://pen.do/blog/tips-to-save-money-on-your-winter-bills/.
