The average American uses 100 gallons of water a day at home, and while those gallons add up, so do the dollars. A typical U.S. household spends $1,100 per year on water, but it can save $350 annually simply by installing water efficient appliances and fixtures.
WaterSense labeled plumbing and irrigation fixtures have been independently certified to be at least 20 percent more water-efficient and—even more important—perform as well or better than standard models. Sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the WaterSense label can be found on more than more than 12,000 models of tank-type toilets, showerheads, flushing urinals, bathroom sink faucets, faucet aerators, and irrigation controllers.
A new, ENERGY STAR qualified dishwasher will save, on average, 1,300 gallons of water over its lifetime. That means you’re paying an extra $40 a year on your utility bills. Replace one of these old dishwashers with ENERGY STAR and save enough money to pay for dishwasher detergent all year.
I just read an interesting article about high efficiency washers and dryers. Energy Star washers use approximately half the water and a fraction of the electricity to run. Less water, less stress on your cesspool if that’s where your machine drains. It’s been noted that cold water washes get clothes just as clean, saving you the fuel to heat the hot water. Run only full loads of wash. Run quick cycles for less soiled clothing, and use high spin cycles to reduce the need for excessive drying times. Using a moisture sensor on your dryer can also save on electricity, and make sure your lint screen is cleaned after every load.
A full-sized ENERGY STAR certified clothes washer uses 15 gallons of water per load, compared to the 23 gallons used by a standard machine. Over the machine’s lifetime, that’s a savings of 27,000 gallons of water.
A homeowner can increase efficiency and save money outside also with WaterSense labeled irrigation controllers. These controllers use local weather data to act like a thermostat for your sprinkler system, telling it when to turn on and off. With proper installation, programming, and system maintenance, these controllers save water, time, and money.
