New Year is exciting; new beginnings with many resolutions. Besides focusing on fitness, eating habits and budgeting, what are some plumbing, heating and cooling resolutions to make in the New Year to help prevent emergencies and save you money?
1.Conserve Water: Save your planet, save your time, and save your bills
The average family uses approximately 300 gallons of water per day (about 30% of that usage is outdoor) according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Scale back on how much water you use on a daily basis. Something as simple as turning the water off when washing your face, brushing your teeth, can save as many as 3,000 gallons of water per year.
Consider replacing older shower heads, which use more than 5 gallons of water per minute. It also drives up your water heater and energy bills! Try the ultra low-flow shower head models that use only two gallons of water per minute!
Older toilets are also inefficient and use over 3 gallons per flush. There are many options available that use less water and have the added benefit to staying cleaner longer – think about saving water and time spent on cleaning!
How about those moments when you turn on the sink or shower, wait anywhere from 30 seconds to over a minute for the water to heat up? Your money is literally pouring down the drain. Consider switching to your traditional storage water heater with a Tankless Water Heater. We provide free estimates* here at Winters if you wish to convert and go high-efficient!
2. Be Kind to Your Plumbing Fixtures
Don’t throw everything from your plate in your disposal. Learn the do’s and don’ts, as well as caring for your garbage disposal to extend its lifespan.
Your toilet is not a dumpster! Learn what can be flushed and not flushed. It’s one thing to get a new toilet, but clogging the pipes and drains in your house is far pricier than replacing a toilet!
Pipes get cold, and they need warmth just like we do! Properly insulate them to avoid pricey disasters. Here is a video on how to insulate pipes yourself:
3. Amp up your kitchen and/or bathroom
A New Year means new changes, why not give your bathroom and/or kitchen an uplift? Besides recommending replacing faucets or new cabinets, small changes on the décor can change the ambiance of the area. You can get different decors at furniture stores like these. You can get inspired with various sources online, we have a bathroom favorite here. For kitchen decorating ideas, click here.
4. Preventative Maintenance
Always have your fixtures checked and inspected on a yearly basis. Have your water heater checked. Schedule annual heating and air conditioning inspections. Consider having a plumbing inspection to ensure everything is running correctly with no leaks.
Pay attention to unusual, small changes such as hammering noises, slow drains, water that isn’t as hot, these can signal to potential disasters that often end up as expensive calls!
Happy New Year!