Earth Day Plumbing Tips From the Pros
Earth Day is the perfect time for homeowners to start thinking about making their homes more environmentally friendly. Not only is it a time when global awareness turns towards the environment, but it is also a time when homeowners examine their winter energy bills and see ways that they could save money by saving on water. Going green and saving green are not mutually exclusive.
In most cases, taking the eco-friendly route means that homeowners will lessen their carbon footprint while also saving money. Plumbing is an excellent place to start lowering the environmental impact of a home.
The Right Piping Materials
The true cost of hot water is wrapped up in its heating and efficient distribution. One of the places where energy is lost is in the piping chosen to convey hot water from one place to another. Copper has been the traditional choice for decades because of its durability and ability to withstand heat better, even as plastic piping alternatives have replaced most metal piping. However, the downside of copper is that it transfers heat too easily. To illustrate this, think about how hot a copper water line is while water is flowing through it. Contrast that to how cool an insulated mug is to the touch while keeping coffee hot for hours.
Thermal conductivity is the enemy of energy efficiency. New CPVC piping options insulate hot water better by having lower thermal conductivity. This will result in lower energy costs and increase the amount of hot water available by not allowing it to cool as it flows through the pipes. Updating copper lines to CPVC is an excellent choice when wanting to become more eco-friendly.
Eco-Friendly Toilets
The environmental cost of treating water can be high. Not only is lots of energy put into pumping and transporting water, but the carbon footprint of treatment chemicals is also high. Since the cost of treating water is so high, it makes sense to try and save it wherever possible. One of the best places to start is with the toilet.
Hundreds of gallons of water are wasted every month by being flushed. But, new toilet designs are changing that. Low-flow toilets use far less water per flush than a standard toilet. Additionally, dual flush toilets allow the user to select the appropriate amount of water for the amount of waste to be flushed. Upgrading toilets can save a lot of money while also being better for the environment.
High-Efficiency Water Heaters
The carbon footprint of water heaters is obvious. Most water heaters use fossil fuels to heat water, so selecting a high-efficiency model can drastically lower costs and carbon output. Gas water heaters are now manufactured with efficiencies as high as 98%. Contrast this to older models that only rate at around 80%, to begin with, and lose efficiency every year after installation. High-efficiency water heaters quickly pay for themselves.
Tankless water heaters are another eco-friendly option. Tankless water heaters save energy by only heating water on demand. They are vastly more eco-friendly than an old conventional water tank and can supply hot water endlessly.
About Lascko Services
Lascko Services has been helping home and business owners in Muskegon, MI for over 20 years. Their respectful and qualified technicians are ready to offer expert advice and excellent customer service. To update a water heater or schedule a drain cleaning, contact them today.
