Saving Water and Heating It Efficiently

Ways to cut the typical household’s second largest energy expense.

U.S. Department of Energy

Looking for ways to reduce household utility costs? The water bill is one place to start. Installation of a more efficient water heating system has long-term value. Reducing overall water usage will pay immediate dividends.

Looking for ways to reduce household utility costs? The water bill is one place to start. There are ways to save on utility bills in the long run with higher efficiency appliances and some minor repairs.

Water heating uses 17% of the energy in U.S. homes. Solar water heating is one alternative for reducing the energy you use for water heating, but there are also several options for improved efficiency in non-solar water heating.

Reducing Water Heating Costs & Consumption

Water heating is the second largest energy expense in U.S. households. If your water heater is more than 10 years old, it probably has an efficiency value of no higher than 50%. An old water heater can operate for years at very low efficiencies before it finally fails. One way to reduce water heating costs is to replace your old water heater with a new, higher efficiency model.

You can reduce your hot water use by buying appliances with low water usage, such as front-loading (horizontal-axis) washing machines, and by installing water-conserving plumbing fixtures. Reducing your water use, in general, saves you money and saves the energy used to purify the fresh water you use and the wastewater you dispose of. In arid climates, reducing your water usage can also help minimize your impact on the environment and help reduce the need for new dams and other water projects.

Other Ways to Cut the Water Bill

There are many fixtures and appliances on the market that will help you reduce your water use. In most communities, this will allow you to save money on both your water and sewer bills. Reducing your use of hot water will also save the cost and energy of heating that water. See appliances to learn about water-saving appliances. Here are some suggestions to cut the water bill:

• You can achieve a significant savings in overall water use and hot water use, in particular, by installing low-flow showerheads and faucets. Because showers use 37% of the hot water in typical U.S. homes, all showerheads now sold in the United States must meet the federal efficiency standard of using at most 2.5 gallons per minute. Many new showerheads meet this standard with an increase in performance; this will be particularly noticeable to owners of older homes with poor water pressure.
• While you are replacing your old showerheads and faucets, take the time to also repair leaky faucets and showerheads. A leak of one drip per second can cost you $1 per month.
• You can also save water by taking more showers than baths. Baths use the most hot water in an average household. You use 15 to 25 gallons of hot water for a bath and less than 10 gallons during a 5-minute shower.

This article, and hundreds more, can be found on the NEA Member Benefits Web Site in the “Member Library” section at www.neamb.com/consumer_articles.jsp.