High energy bills can become costly with old mechanical systems. Old pipes and appliances like water heaters are major causes. This is because the old pipes leak and lose energy. Investing in new water heaters and other plumbing improvements can reduce your utility bills. Some of the residential plumbing improvements to reduce high energy bills are:
Replace the Water Heater
Older water heaters can be extremely inefficient. Therefore, it may be one of the first plumbing improvements you want to invest in. Options to consider when installing a new water heater include:
- On-demand water heaters
- Heat pump water heaters
- High-efficiency electric water heaters
The new water heater can greatly reduce energy costs. This makes it one of the most valuable residential plumbing improvements that you can invest in. There are also options for renewable energy with solar-ready systems and solar water heaters.
Upgrade and Insulate the Pipes
The pipes are a cause of energy loss. They often use old materials and are uninsulated. Therefore, investing in new pipes and insulating them can be a great way to save money. Some of the upgrades to water lines include:
- Plastic pipe systems with fewer connections
- Plumbing manifold systems
- Insulation for pipes
The upgrades to water lines can be a great way to make your home more efficient. You also want to make sure the hot water lines are all insulated. This will reduce the thermal transfer that causes energy loss.
Install Water-Saving Plumbing Fixtures
The plumbing fixtures are where energy and water are wasted. Therefore, installing new fixtures can be a good investment. Plumbing fixtures that you will want to have replaced include:
- Toilets
- Shower and bathtub fixtures
- Faucets
These new plumbing fixtures use less water and reduce energy loss. They are affordable improvements that help reduce utility costs. A residential plumbing service can usually replace all the fixtures in a single visit.
Add Water Recycling Systems
Water recycling is a great investment for the plumbing. There are several options to install water recycling systems, including:
- Direct greywater recycling
- Greywater systems for non-potable uses
- Rain collections systems for outdoors
The water recycling systems provide a resource that doesn't cost you anything. Most of these systems can be installed, maintained, and repaired by a residential plumbing service.
The high energy bills can come to an end with improvements to your plumbing. Contact a residential plumbing service and ask about these solutions to make your home more efficient.