DIY Plumbing Blog | Improve Energy Efficiency

We’ve all felt that sinking feeling of opening a utility bill and being shocked by how high it is. On top of all your other financial responsibilities, a huge utility bill can add unnecessary stress and we know that homeowners are always looking for ways to save money. Thanks to modern technology there are plenty of appliances on the market that are much more energy efficient than older models that can save you a lot of money on your utility bills. We’ll outline what appliances can save you the most money in the long run and be easier on the environment as well.

Upgrade to a More Efficient Furnace or Air Conditioner

Energy efficient furnaceYour furnace or air conditioner might be keeping your home comfortable, but a modern unit could do the same job for and use a lot less energy. Focus on your attention on these appliances in the spring and fall before you need the most and you could save your self a lot of money throughout the hottest and coldest months of the year. Newer units are also programmable you can set your unit to only turn on when you’re actually there rather than wasting money on keeping an empty house comfortable. Energy Star has ratings for both furnaces and air conditioners as well so you can make an informed choice about your new unit and save the most energy possible.

Energy Efficient and Tankless Water Heaters

Conventional water heaters heat a large tank of water and hold the water at the specified temperature so that you have hot water when you need it. The problem with this style of water heater is that as the water cools the water heater has to turn back on to reheat the water. This wastes a lot of energy and could be the main factor contributing to your high energy bills. Many homeowners have made the switch to tankless water heaters as these types of units only heat water when it is needed. When the hot water is turned on tankless water heaters instantly heat water to the desired temperature by running it through a heating element. This saves a lot of energy and money as the water isn’t being reheated over and over again. Tankless water heaters also provide a practically endless supply of hot water as well so you don’t have to wait for the water to heat back up after doing laundry or showering. If you’re in the market for a new water heater make sure to check out Energy Star ratings for them as it can help you make an informed decision when choosing a new unit.

Install an Energy Efficient Dishwasher

Energy Efficient DishwasherInstalling a new dishwasher is a great way to conserve energy and water at the same time. A new Energy Star rated dishwasher can use as little as 3 gallons of water according to the Natural Resources Defense Council and considering that washing dishes by hand can use up to 27 gallons of water for the same amount of dishes means that you get to do less work all while saving more. If you’re wondering which dishwashers can save you the most on your utilities check out this Consumer Reports list for some of the top performing models.

Invest in Low Flow Shower Heads

Forget what you think you know about low flow shower heads. Modern fixtures are able to deliver water pressure at 80 psi while saving 25%-65% on water according to the Department of Energy. That amount of water can amount to some serious savings on your water bill all without sacrificing the high water pressure that we all love to feel first thing in the morning.

Our Plumbers can Help you Save Money

Whatever utility saving appliance you decide is the right fit for your home you can rely on our team here at Pann Home Services and Remodeling to help you get it installed. From water saving fixtures to new energy efficient climate control our team can do it all. Contact us today!