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Clean and fresh water is limited. More than three-fourths of the earth consists of saline water, which must be treated before it is fit for human use. This is a complicated and expensive process. Thus, every single one of us should play a role in conserving water. And one of the best ways to do so is to switch to energy efficient plumbing, suggests a plumbing company in Cleveland, TN. Energy efficient plumbing reduces water consumption as well as the environmental impact. Moreover, it also ensures that the existing water supply can support the growing needs of the population.
Plumbing systems can be made energy efficient through a number of ways. For starters, the system must be designed using sustainable principles, support water reuse and rain harvesting, and minimize the environmental impacts of plumbing appliances. For the purpose of this blog, we’ll only focus on energy efficient plumbing appliances that use limited quantities of water and minimum energy, helping you save water and reduce power bills.
Sink Faucets
Most of the water running through taps is used for washing and cooking purposes. Reducing the flow rate is usually not a preferable option because it means that you’ll have to wait longer to complete various tasks. Thus, higher flow faucets are quite popular, but when using them, install an aerator, recommends a plumbing company in Cleveland, TN. This device reduces the faucet’s flow rate, but still ensures that it is sufficient enough for your kitchen activities. Certain models feature two operational modes: standard flow and restricted flow. Usually inexpensive and easily available, aerators can be installed by any plumbing company in Cleveland, TN.
Another option is to switch to a high efficiency faucet. A standard faucet uses more than 2.5 GPM of water, but a high efficient faucet only requires 1.5 GPM of water.
Energy efficient models exist in various types. For instance, some of these faucets are equipped with a lever that reduces flow after periodic intervals or between rinses. Other models are hands free, and not only preserve water, but also prevent bacteria and germs from being transmitted.
Water Saving Toilets
According to a plumbing company in Cleveland, TN, installing high efficiency toilets can significantly reduce the water used by toilets. Generally, old units use around 1.6 gallons of water during a single flush, but newer, energy efficient models like ultra low flush toilets only require 1.28 gallons of water per flush. Dual flush toilets use even less water usually between 0.8 gallon and 1.1 gallons. However, water usage for solid waste is still around 1.6 gallons, but compared to traditional toilets, these are still recommended alternatives, suggests a plumbing company in Cleveland, TN.
Water Urinals
Water urinals reduce water usage and costs significantly. According to a plumbing company in Cleveland, TN, these devices can save as much as 40,000 gallons of water for every single fixture during the course of a year.
Showerheads
High efficiency showerheads deliver optimal performance while still reducing water usage. Plus, they also reduce energy costs because they use lower quantities of hot water. According to a plumbing company in Cleveland, TN, high efficiency showerheads have a flow rate of 2 GPM, whereas standard showerheads have a flow rate of around 2.5 gallons.
Certain showerheads model also feature a control valve which reduces water flow when you are shaving or lathering. The flow can be increased when you rinse. Compared to traditional showerheads, these devices use only 50% water.
Sink Garbage Disposal Units
Garbage disposal units do lower the quantities of solid waste produced, but these devices require water in significant quantities for operations. Also, the organic matter that they produce as output is removed at the sewage treatment plant through expensive processes.
A plumbing company in Cleveland recommends checking local regulations prior to investing in garbage disposal units. Switching to other options is also a viable alternative. As an example, organic waste can be passed onto a backward composter or a waste collection program.
Dishwashers
On average, dishwashers only use 2% of your overall water usage, states a reputed plumbing company in Cleveland. Older models may use a significant quantity of water per cycle, usually around 12 to 15 gallons, whereas newer models use only around 4 gallons per cycle.
When choosing a suitable dishwasher model, choose an appliance that has the Energy Star label. Also look around for models equipped with a timer so that you can utilize off-peak energy rates. Heat on-off settings also conserve energy. Of the available models, the most efficient dishwashers are equipped with sensors that adjust water quantity according to the load size.
Refrigerators
Refrigerators consume a significant amount of energy, but highly efficient models are easily available these days. As with dishwashers, look for units that have the Energy Star Label because they are known to be 20% more efficient according to a plumbing company in Cleveland.
Bathtubs
Generally, low flow rate faucets for the bathtubs are not a preferable option because this means that you would have to wait longer to fill the tub. However, you can reduce the need of running hot water continuously. This can be achieved by installing insulation on the sidewalls and bottom surface so that the water in the tub remains at a certain comfortable temperature. Two sided tape and insulated spray foam may serve this purpose.
Sink Sprayers
A reputed plumbing company in Cleveland suggests installing a sink sprayer because it reduces water usage in the kitchen.
Water Heater Timer
Tankless water heaters are more efficient than tank based heaters. But they do involve upfront costs. If replacing your current water heater is not an option, you can simply install a timer that will turn the heater on and off, reducing energy usage.
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