Did you know that the average household uses upwards of 60 gallons of water per person, per day? That’s a lot of liquid—and a lot of wastage. The good news is that there are easy ways to reduce how much water you’re using (and wasting), which can result in significant savings on your water bill. Here are five places in your home where you can start reducing your water usage.
Over half the water use in your home takes place in your bathroom. You can reduce that with a few small changes in personal use. For example, if you run the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving, simply turning it off could save you gallons a year. Also, although a little self-care with a relaxing bath can be nice once in a while, stick with quick showers for your daily routine. (Keep in mind, the longer the shower, the greater the wastage.) Finally, consider investing in a modern upgrade if your water heater is old. New, high-efficiency water heaters are designed to save water and energy, while also supplying your home with hot water as you need it.
You’d be surprised at how easy it is to waste water in the kitchen doing simple chores, like the dishes. If you have a dishwasher, use it! It uses less water than washing by hand, but only if it’s full, so avoid running half loads if you don’t need to. Most newer models also offer an energy-efficient or eco-friendly cycle for added savings. If you wash dishes by hand, plug up your basin and use a single sink full of water; it’ll use much less than letting the water run while you scrub. Another way to do it is to rinse all your dishes, turn off the water, soap them all, and then rinse them off. This way you’re not letting the water run while you spend time soaping each dish. You can also save water by keeping a pitcher of cool drinking water in the fridge, so you don’t wait for the tap to run cool.
If you have a laundry room in your basement, or are thinking of adding one, the best way to make sure you’re saving on water wastage is to invest in a high-efficiency washer and dryer. You can also double-up on energy savings by always washing with cold water. Most detergents are designed to clean clothes just as well with cold water these days. Another possible source of water waste in the basement is your existing water heating system. If it’s time for an upgrade but you’re delaying the inevitable because of how much it costs, financing can make those necessary renovations possible sooner, rather than later.
If you have a backyard and/or garden, you know how important it is to keep everything fresh and watered. Unfortunately, this is one of the biggest spots for water wastage. Consider designing your outdoor space with water flow and irrigation in mind to reduce the loss of water to evaporation and drainage. It’s also worth checking on your sprinkler system, hoses, and attachments to ensure that everything is properly fit and working correctly. Even if you aren’t looking after a lawn or backyard, reconsider hosing down that front walk or driveway—sweeping it instead will keep your water usage much lower.
Even a small leak in your home can add up to gallons of water lost per day, oftentimes without you even realizing it. Take some time to have a close look at your household plumbing and use caulking to patch up any leaks that you find. Take a look at your water heater, too. Older models aren’t optimized for efficiency and could be wasting water (not to mention energy). Newer models of hot water heaters are designed with not only effectiveness in mind but also energy-efficiency and reduced water wastage. There’s also the option of a tankless water heater, which heats water on-demand instead of storing hot water in a tank.
Saving water at home could be as simple as upgrading your kitchen, bathroom, plumbing, or water heating equipment. At MyHomeUpgrade.ca, our team of expert advisors can help you explore your options, provide you with a free on-the-spot estimate for your project, then connect you with a recommended contractor in your area to do the work. Call us at 1.833.527.1149 to get started and start renovating your home like an expert, today!
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