Saving Water and Energy

Water Bills

The water heater is the second biggest energy user in the home. You're charged for the water - and for heating it. An average family can spend about $290 a year just taking showers, and many families spend more.

• Install a low-flow shower head. They use half the water that regular ones use - and can save $2 a month per family member.
• Turn the water heater thermostat down to 120°F. That saves energy and prevents scalding.
• Take short showers. They use about half as much water as a full bathtub.
• Repair leaky water faucets. One drop a second can waste as much as 25 gallons a week!
• Buying a new water heater? Get one that is no larger than required for your household needs, and consider a heat pump water heater. These super-efficient electric water heaters cost more up-front, but can save a family of four around $330/yr according to the EPA.

Washing Dishes

If you use a dishwasher:

• Wash only full loads. It costs exactly the same to wash one dish as a whole load.
• Air dry dishes. If the dishwasher has an air-dry feature, use it.
• Hand-rinse dishes in cold water and only if you plan to wait a day or more before washing. Most dishwashers today do a great job of washing dishes without pre-rinsing. So save energy, water and elbow grease - and time.
• Fill dishwasher with detergent right before running. Dry detergent may harden, while liquid detergent can leak.
• Fill the dishwasher according to the manufacturer's instructions. This will allow the flow of water to properly clean the dishes.

If you wash by hand:

• Rinse dishes in groups rather than one at a time.
• Don't leave the water running.
• Don't wash a few dishes - wait unit you have a full sink.

Laundry

• Wash laundry in warm or cold water instead of hot. Hot water needs to be used only for oily stains and very dirty loads.
• Lower the thermostat from the recommended 140°F to 120°F. Each 10 degree reduction in water temperature will generally save you 3 to 5% on your water heating costs.
• Wash and dry only full loads. The machine uses about the same amount of water whether you wash a full load or just one item.
• Clean the dryer lint filter after every load. Clogged filters drive up drying costs.
• Clean your outside dryer exhaust vent. It draws unwanted heat away from the house.
• Dry several loads of laundry in a row. Using the heat already there saves money.
• Dry clothes outside in good weather. Sunlight is free!

Last updated December 15, 2024