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Save Energy With Strategies For Water Use
Water expenses can add up — especially during Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan summers, when many of us use extra water to cool off and to keep our lawns green and our gardens healthy.
These water-saving tips can help keep your water bill low and help the environment.
Fix those leaks. A dripping faucet can keep you up at night, sure. A constant drip also can also waste gallons of water. In fact, a leaky toilet can waste around 200 gallons a day. When you notice a leak, repair it as soon as possible.
Sometimes leaks are not as obvious as that drip-drip-drip in the bathroom sink. Other ways to tell if you have a water leak:
- Pay attention to your water bill. If you notice an unexplained spike in use, you might have a leak.
- Check the numbers on your water meter. Then, for two hours, don’t use any water. Then check the numbers on your meter again. If they’ve changed, you might have a leak.
- Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank of your toilet. Don’t flush! If you see color in your toilet bowl, you likely have a leak.
Use water wisely:
- Set the thermostat of your water heater to 120 degrees.
- Take a shower instead of a bath for a water savings of 50 or more gallons.
- Wash full loads of laundry. If you’re washing smaller loads, be sure to use the correct setting for that amount of clothing.
- Turn off the water while you’re brushing your teeth.
Upgrade your appliances and irrigation system:
- Use a water-efficient irrigation system with rain shut-off devices and moisture sensors for your lawn.
- Install WaterSense labeled products in your bathroom for significant water savings. The WaterSense program is a partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Upgrade to water-efficient dishwashers and clothes washers. The government’s EnergyStar program can help identify those appliances.
Do you have questions or need advice on increasing water savings in your home? The Home Comfort Experts would be glad to help. Please contact us anytime.
Home Comfort services the Mishawaka/South Bend areas of Indiana.