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Energy & Water-Saving Tips

If you aren't taking steps to conserve energy and water in your home, you are throwing money away. And you don't have to spend a lot to upgrade your appliances to newer, energy-saving models. With a few simple changes to your habits around the house, you can reduce your monthly utility bill as well as help the environment.

  1. Upgrade Your Equipment

    • Upgrade your shower head to a low-flow model and install a faucet aerator on your sinks. These devices convert the stream from a faucet or shower head into multiple tiny drops, cutting water usage up to 50 percent in the process. In sinks, aerators also prevent splashing when faucets are turned up full force. According to Flex Your Power, these changes make a huge difference in water conservation. The average household can save roughly $300 a year in water costs.

    Avoid Heat

    • Appliances such as dryers, washers, dishwashers and ovens consume a significant amount of energy. The hotter it is, the more energy is used. Save energy by operating these appliances either early in the morning or late at night when the temperature is lowest. Save even more energy by using a microwave or outdoor grill for cooking whenever possible.

    Keep Water Refrigerated

    • If you use your kitchen tap for water, avoid running the faucet until the water gets cold. Instead, fill a pitcher with water and place it in the refrigerator. To save additional energy, keep a pitcher of cool water on the counter during times you know it is needed so the refrigerator door is not constantly being opened.

    Turn Off Electronics

    • Turn electronics such as your computer and television off if no one is using them. Leaving electronics running all day wastes significant amounts of energy. Enable power-saving settings on all computers, and consider a laptop over a desktop model, which uses 90 percent less energy. To get more out of energy conservation, unplug all your unused electronics throughout the day. Left plugged in, all these items together can require as much energy as your refrigerator.

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