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Celebrate Earth Day with New Plumbing Fixtures

Celebrate Earth Day with New Plumbing Fixtures

The Benefits of Energy-Saving Water Heaters, Washing Machines, and More

Many homeowners want to upgrade to energy-efficient appliances but don’t know where to start. There’s where EnergyStar and WaterSense appliances come in. These two brands save water and energy. And, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, many of these items are more affordable than ever.

Right now, one can learn how to transition to energy-efficient appliances and what that could mean for their home and wallet. Here’s what to know:

Energy-Efficient Appliances Save Water

Water-saving toilets

As noted, EnergyStar produces cost-effective appliances that aim to reduce one’s carbon footprint. Some of these appliances and fixtures include:

    • Water-saving toilets. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that the average toilet uses 1.6 gallons a flush. Toilets approved by EnergyStar and WaterSense only use 1.2 gallons. It’s not much at first glance. Yet, over time, the savings can add up.
    • Touchless faucets. These fixtures only dispense as much water as the user wants. There’s no wasted water when filling cups, pans, and other items. Moreover, these are battery-operated devices, meaning they’ll continue to work even when the power goes out.
    • Low-flow showerheads. The average showerhead dispenses 2.5 gallons a minute, per the EPA. Energy-efficient showerheads only use two gallons a minute.

Some Appliances and Fixtures Are Eligible for Tax Credits and Rebates

Washing Machines

Many energy-efficient appliances save more than gas and electricity; they also save money. As noted, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 allows many low- and middle-income households to afford energy-saving appliances. This could enable homeowners to get new:

  • Water heaters. Tankless water heaters are all the rage right now––and for a good reason. They heat water on demand. That means the appliance doesn’t waste energy by constantly heating a storage tank.
  • Washing machines. The average American household runs about 300 loads of laundry a year. An EnergyStar washing machine could reduce water usage by 30 percent.

Insulating the Home’s Pipes Goes a Long Way

Many homeowners live in their houses for years and never see the plumbing system’s pipes up close. Yet, by paying attention to this “behind the scenes” factor, one could save energy and money. But how do the pipes make a home more energy-efficient? Well:

  • Water loses heat as it travels through the plumbing system. That’s because the heat transfers from the water to the pipe. Yet, insulating the home’s pipes can keep water hotter longer.
  • A pipe’s diameter plays a huge role in water pressure. A plumber can assess whether smaller or wider pipes could promote energy efficiency.
  • Some plumbers recommend using PVC pipes instead of metal ones. PVC pipes don’t burst as often and reduce heat transfer loss.

When it comes to saving water and energy, new appliances only go so far. One can maximize their savings by consulting a licensed and bonded plumber. These professionals stay abreast of changes in technology that serve homeowners’ interests.