Save Money and Energy with these Energy Efficiency Improvements

Feel like your home is leaking money and energy? Looking for ways to save on both?

Considering that, according to ENERGY STAR®, hot water that leaks at a rate of one drip per second from a single faucet can waste up to 1,661 gallons of water over the course of a year and up to $35 in electricity or natural gas. Alternately, by upgrading your current technology to energy efficient models, you can lower energy use and reduce costs, conserve water, and reduce your carbon footprint, all while helping your home to run more efficiently.

The decision to upgrade any of your appliances can be a big one, and takes careful assessment of the pros and cons in relation to your home’s needs. A useful step may be to first assess where you are losing the most energy, depending on the amount of people in your home and your daily activities. Next, review your energy needs specific to each area in which resources are being used: electrical fixtures, plumbing, and/or heating/air conditioning.

Most homes waste a large amount of water, whether you house five people or one. To cut your losses, consider these home upgrades that promise to increase your home’s efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness:

1. Electronic faucets: Electronic faucets include a sensor that prevents your faucet from being accidentally left on, which leads to water waste due to dripping. While the initial investment will run you more than a traditional faucet, this product will help to optimize your home in the long term and benefit the environment.

2. Aerators: Aerators add air to your water stream to increase the flow while conserving water and saving energy. Depending on your local plumbing codes, aerators come in a variety of models to provide your desired flow.

3. Dual flush toilets: You’ve seen them at the PDX airport. Now contact your local plumber to install one in your home. With two flush modes, including a high flush volume for solids and a low volume for liquid waste, you can save water usage by nearly 67%. Not bad for an appliance that we often take for granted.

4. Tankless water heaters: With on-demand hot water, there is no longer any need to waste excess energy maintaining a tank full of heated H2O. These portable appliances use less water, less fuel, and save you 20-50% in energy. In addition, they take up less space and rarely need repair or replacement.

If you are interested in energy savings that will increase the efficiency and productivity of your home, look no further than ENERGY STAR®- rated appliances. Call Simpson today for installation assistance!