Everyone wants to save money on their water bills and reduce their environmental impact. One effective way to achieve this is by upgrading your home's plumbing fixtures to more efficient models. This blog post will discuss the top 5 efficient plumbing fixtures that can help you save water and money. We'll also provide links to resources from industry associations and research websites to help you make informed decisions about your home's plumbing upgrades.
High-Efficiency Toilets (HETs)
Older toilets can use up to 6 gallons of water per flush, while high-efficiency toilets (HETs) use just 1.28 gallons or less. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), replacing an older toilet with a HET can save up to 16,000 gallons of water per year for a family of four. Some popular HET models include dual-flush toilets, which allow you to choose between a full flush for solid waste and a reduced flush for liquid waste, and pressure-assist toilets, which use air pressure to reduce the water needed for each flush.
Low-Flow Showerheads
Showering accounts for nearly 17% of indoor water use in the average American home. Switching to a low-flow showerhead can significantly reduce your water consumption and save money on your water bill. The Alliance for Water Efficiency recommends showerheads with a flow rate of 2.0 gallons per minute (gpm) or less. Many low-flow showerheads also have adjustable settings, allowing you to choose the water pressure that's right for you.
Faucet Aerators
Faucet aerators are small devices that attach to the end of your faucets and mix air into the water stream. This helps to reduce water flow without sacrificing water pressure. The EPA's WaterSense program recommends aerators with a flow rate of 1.5 gpm or less for bathroom faucets and 2.2 gpm or less for kitchen faucets. Installing faucet aerators is a simple and inexpensive way to save water and money in your home.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand or instantaneous water heaters, heat water only when needed, eliminating the need for a storage tank and reducing standby energy losses. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, tankless water heaters can be 8-34% more energy-efficient than traditional storage tank water heaters, depending on your household's water usage. This can result in significant energy and cost savings over time.
Smart Irrigation Controllers
Outdoor water use, particularly for landscaping and irrigation, can significantly contribute to your water bill. Smart irrigation controllers can help you save water and money by adjusting your sprinkler system's watering schedule based on weather conditions, soil moisture, and plant water needs. The Irrigation Association recommends looking for controllers with the WaterSense label, which meet the EPA's criteria for efficiency and performance.
At Smith Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, we're committed to helping our Mesa, AZ, customers save water and money with efficient plumbing fixtures. Our experienced team can help you choose and install the right fixtures for your home, ensuring optimal performance and water savings.
Contact Smith Plumbing, Heating and Cooling today to learn more about our plumbing services and how we can help you upgrade your home's plumbing system for maximum efficiency!
