We're Hiring! Click here to Apply

DIY Plumbing Blog | Improve Energy Efficiency

You hold your breath, open the envelope, and just as you feared your utility is obscenely high again. We’ve all been there and there are few feelings worse than that. Luckily, modern technology means that there are a lot of energy efficient appliances on the market that can save you money on your utility bills while being better for the environment as well. We’ll walk you through where you’re likely losing the most energy and help you decide on which appliances can help you bring that utility bill back down.

Invest in an Energy Efficient Dishwasher

Your dishwasher is a great place to set your higher efficiency sights as it can save you money on your water and energy bills at the same time. Modern Energy Star rated dishwashers use as little as 3 gallons per load compared to 27 gallons if you wash them by hand according to the Natural Resources Defense Council which means that you can save on utilities while doing less work. Consumer Reports has a great list of some of the most efficient models on the market so you can make an informed choice when replacing your old unit.

Energy Efficient and Tankless Water Heaters

Energy efficient tankless water heaterConventional water heaters heat a large tank of water and hold the water at the specified temperature so that you have hot water when you need it. These types of units are pretty inefficient though because as the water in the tank cools the burner has to turn back on to reheat the water in the tank. This wastes a lot of energy and can be a major contributor to your high energy bills. A lot of property owners are switching to tankless water heaters because they are more efficient and provide a practically unlimited supply of hot water. When you turn on a hot water tap in your home a tankless water heater runs the water through superheated coils and instantly heats the water to the desired temperature so you aren’t wasting energy keeping water hot when you don’t need it. Energy Star maintains a list of the most efficient water heaters available so you can make sure that you’ll get the most energy savings out of your investment.

Install Low Flow Shower Heads

You don’t have to worry about a barely noticeable stream of water in your shower with modern low flow shower heads. Low flow fixtures can now deliver water at 80 psi while achieving water savings of 25%-65%. Saving that much water can translate to some serious savings on your water bill and free up money in your budget.

Invest in a Energy Efficient Furnace or Air Conditioner

energy efficient air conditionerMost energy used in a home is spent on climate control and old units are far less efficient than modern ones. Focus your attention on these appliances in the spring and fall before you need them the most and you can save a lot of money through the hottest and coldest months of the year. Most modern units are also easily programmable so you can set them to only turn on when you’re there so you can come home to a comfortable house without wasting energy by having your furnace or air conditioner on all day. Energy Star rates furnaces and air conditioners as well so you can discuss which models you’re interested in for your home with your installer and make sure that your new unit will be the most efficient possible.

We Can Help You Save Money!

If you’re in the market to install some new efficient appliances or fixtures in your home you can rely on our team at Albuquerque Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling. From bathroom fixtures to new temperature control units our team does it all. Contact us today!

laptop Request Appointment Close disabled_by_default