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Utility costs can be high this time of year while you’re driving air conditioning to stay nice and cool. You probably already know that cooling your whole house or apartment can seriously hurt your wallet thanks to high energy costs, but summer is also a time when water bills can soar, too.
Just think, you’re probably taking more showers since just going outside can cause intense sweating – not to mention how drenched you’ll be if you go for a jog or mowing the lawn. This means that it will be important to conserve water use where you can for some additional savings.
Between showerssinks, toilets, dishwashers, washing machines and yard work used by the average American household more than 300 gallons of water every day, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Overall, this equates to an average $1000 per year (or just over $83 per month) on water costs. Your typical bill may be lower or higher than this, depending on your location, water usage habits, water saving technique and other factors.
Adjusting your water usage is a smart way to reduce your monthly costs this summer. You always can adjust your thermostat to the right temperature, turn off the lights and unplug appliances, but reducing water consumption will provide another layer of energy savings. In this article, we will explain how to change your habits to save water and money.
Look for water leaks around the house
If you’ve noticed spikes in your water bill (but haven’t changed your habits), a leak may be to blame.
Before changing your water consumption habits or investing in new appliances, take some time to check your house for leaks. Look for puddles around your toilets, under sinks and dishwashers, and around your washing machine.
If you notice water leaks or stains, be sure to fix the problem right away (whether that means fixing it yourself or calling a plumber) to prevent additional unnecessary costs on your water bill. You can also install smart leak sensors to help detect future water leaks.
Make your faucets more efficient
If you have older faucets, adding an aerator will make them more efficient, saving you water and money. Aerators are small, round objects that screw onto your faucet head and introduce air into the water stream. As a result, the water condenses and creates a more constant flow – all the time reduce water consumption by 30%.
Alternatively, if you are willing to take on a slightly larger project, you can replace your old faucet with a new one, Certified by WaterSense faucet. These products are EPA approved and guaranteed for use at least 20% less water than older models.
Use less water with each flush
In a typical home, toilets count almost 30% indoor water consumption. There are several ways to reduce the amount of water your toilet uses, including switching to a low-flow toilet. According to the EPA, these water-efficient toilets can help your family save up to $140 per year.
Looking for a cheaper or DIY option? Add a weighted plastic bottle to your toilet tank. The idea is that the bottle will take up space in the tank that is normally filled with water, so less water is wasted with each flush.
To do this, fill a half-gallon bottle with sand and place it in the tank, making sure it sinks to the bottom. Replace the tank cap and flush as usual.
Run your dishwasher (but wait until it’s full)
You might be surprised to learn that your dishwasher’s performance actually is more efficient than water than washing dishes by hand — as long as you’re running a full load. Also, if you have Energy Star dishwashercan save up to 5,000 gallons of water each year compared to washing dishes by hand.
If you have a newer dishwasher, you can also skip pre-rinsing the dishes to save even more 6,000 gallons of water per year. As long as you throw away the large pieces of food, most modern dishwashers can handle the rest by scrubbing your dishes nice and clean.
Running your dishwasher is actually more energy efficient than washing dishes by hand.
Change your shower habits
The typical American spends 8 minutes in the shower, which equates to 20 gallons of water per shower. If everyone in your household tried to take fewer or shorter showers, you could save hundreds of gallons of water each month.
You can save even more water on your showers by installing a water saver shower head. In fact, the EPA estimates that the average family could save $70 annual water and energy costs by switching to a WaterSense-approved showerhead.
Read more: Skip the shower and save a lot of money
Yes, small changes can make a big difference
As you’ve probably noticed by now, the best ways to save on your water bill include using less water and switching to more efficient appliances. From installing a faucet aerator to downsizing your showers, any of these small changes will help you become smarter about your water usage, which benefits your wallet and the planet.
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