You’ve left that envelope on the kitchen table long enough. You finally open your utility bill, and just like you feared, it is ridiculously high again. We’ve all been there thanks to modern energy-efficient and water-saving appliances, but you don’t have to stay there. We’ll guide you through some of the best appliances to focus on to get the most out of your investment in energy efficiency.
Upgrade to a More Efficient Furnace or Air Conditioner
Almost half of your home’s energy is spent on heating and cooling, making this area a great place to focus. Older units can be inefficient and cost you much more in utilities than a new model would do a better job. Focus on these in fall and spring before you need them, and you can save money in the hottest and coldest months of the year. Newer furnaces and air conditioners are also programmable, so you can set them to only be on when you are home, so you don’t waste energy heating or cooling an empty house. Energy Star rates furnaces and air conditioners so you can discuss which models you’re interested in for your home with your installer and ensure your new unit will be the most efficient possible.
Install an Energy-Efficient Dishwasher
Upgrading your dishwasher is a great way to save water and energy simultaneously. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, Modern Energy Star-rated dishwashers use as little as 3 gallons per load compared to 27 gallons if you wash them by hand. In addition, using an energy-efficient dishwasher saves you on utilities and does less work. We’re sure anyone can get behind that. Consumer Reports has a helpful list of the most efficient models on the market. We recommend looking to find one that will work for your needs.
Energy Efficient and Tankless Water Heaters
Conventional water heaters heat a large tank of water and hold it at the specified temperature to have hot water when needed. This way, heating water wastes a lot of energy because as the water in the tank cools, the water heater has to turn back on to keep the water hot. Tankless water heaters avoid this problem and only heat water when needed. When you turn on a hot water tap in your home, tankless water heaters run cold water through superheated coils that instantly heat the water to the desired temperature. This reduces energy waste and means that you have a practically unlimited hot water supply, so you don’t have to wait for the water to heat up after emptying the tank. Check Energy Star ratings before you buy to ensure you’re getting the most efficient model possible.
Install Low Flow Shower Heads
Don’t dismiss low-flow showerheads because they’ve been the butt of jokes for years. Modern low-flow fixtures still deliver water at 80 psi. But, according to the Department of Energy, they can achieve water savings of 25%-65%. Saving that much water every month can add up to many savings on your water bill and free up money in your budget for other fun things. Since low-flow showerheads are the least expensive on our list, this is a great place to start on your road to a more efficient home.
We Can Help You Save Money!
No matter how you decide to make your home more efficient, you can rely on our team at Brothers. From bathroom fixtures to new furnaces, we can do it for you. Contact us today!
Looking for help in Arizona? Then check out our friends over at Deer Valley Plumbing at one of their locations below:
