An average household uses 90 gallons everyday for appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, showers, and sinks. The cost of heating water alone makes up about 30% of the energy bill every month. Below are some smart tips about appliances on the market that are both water and energy efficient.
Washing Machines:
If you are in the market for a washing machine consider replacing your old washer with an Energy Star or High Efficiency model. By doing this you will be saving 15-22 gallons and 50% less energy each load. Front-loading washing machines use 40% less water and 50% less energy than top loaders, are gentler on your clothes and reduce drying time by squeezing more water out.
Water Heaters:
Before purchasing a new water heater, consider these two options before you buy. The tank-less water heater consumes 8-34% less energy than storage tank heaters because it has no conventional reservoir of water that it must keep at a high temperature- it heats water as needed. The solar thermal water heater relies on the sun to heat the water. They can be used alone or alongside a conventional water heater.
Showerheads:
Showering comprises almost 20% of the water used in a household. Low-flow showerheads help reduce water usage by limiting the amount of water that flows out. Most low-flow showerheads offer a shut-off switch that can be used while you’re soaping up. This function alone will help save 15 to 20 gallons of water per shower.
Sinks:
Faucet aerators and gray water systems are two appliances that help sinks become more water efficient. A faucet aerator filters air into the water flow to limit excess water use while maintaining the same water pressure. A gray water system captures and filters water used by your faucets, washing machines and water appliances, and re-uses it for other functions such as watering the lawn. Together these appliances reduce and re-use the amount of water used and can save 7,800 gallons annually.
Toilets:
Americans use 5.8 billion gallons of water a day to flush the toilet. Older toilet models use about 4-7 gallons per flush. By installing a dual flush system to retrofit older toilets, different amounts of water will be allocated for flushing liquid and solid disposables. The best way to be water efficient is to install a high-efficiency toilet that uses less than 1.6 gallons per flush and can save over 4000 gallons of water per person.
Recycle:
Always remember to remain environmentally conscious and recycle your old appliances. There are many ways to dispose of your old appliances:
1. Donate them to a charity like Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill, or the Salvation Army.
2. Sell the appliance to a new owner.
3. Return your appliance to the dealer who may have an appliance recycling program.
4. Recycle the appliance through your local recycling program.