|
Cut down on water heating costs
- Install energy-efficient showerheads and faucet aerators. They reduce the amount of water released by up to 50 percent, with
almost no noticeable difference in pressure.
- Set the water heater temperature to 120°F
- Fix leaky faucets. A dripping faucet can waste 6 to10 gallons (23-38 liters) of water per day. Repairs can be as simple and
inexpensive as replacing a worn-out washer.
- Insulate hot and cold water pipes. If pipes are exposed beneath your home or in an unheated garage, insulate them with special
pipe-insulating foam. This will help keep cold water pipes from freezing and hot water pipes hot.
- Take a shower instead of a bath. The average bath uses twice as much hot water as a five-minute shower.
- Turn off faucets immediately after use. Many of us tend to leave the faucet running while we wash dishes or shave. Turning
on the faucet only when necessary can save thousands of gallons of water a year, not to mention the energy needed to heat
it.
Typical Usage Details
| Type
|
kWh per month
|
Monthly cost to operate
|
|
Electric water heater
(3 people)
|
465 kWh
|
$24 to $39
|
| Each additional person
|
100 kwh
|
$5 to $8
|
|
|