When it comes to improving the energy efficiency of your home, one area that’s often overlooked is plumbing. While many homeowners focus on upgrading their HVAC systems or installing better insulation, plumbing upgrades can offer substantial long-term savings on both water and energy bills. Beyond the financial benefits, these energy-efficient fixtures can also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing water and energy consumption. If you’re interested in adding some efficiency to your home plumbing, these upgrades would be a good place to start!
Low-Flow Toilets
Traditional toilets can use up to 3.6 gallons of water per flush, while older models may use even more. Given that toilets are one of the largest water consumers in the home, upgrading to a low-flow toilet can make a noticeable impact on your water usage and utility bills. Low-flow toilets, which typically use about 1.28 gallons per flush, significantly reduce the amount of water needed for each flush, without sacrificing flushing power or performance.
Replacing an outdated toilet can save a family of four up to 13,000 gallons of water annually, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This reduction in water use directly translates to lower water bills. And the best part is that most modern low-flow toilets are designed to perform as well as—or even better than—older models, so you don’t have to worry about compromised functionality.
Tankless Water Heaters
Traditional water heaters store a large volume of water and maintain it at a set temperature, consuming energy even when hot water isn’t being used. In contrast, tankless water heaters—also known as on-demand water heaters—only heat water as it’s needed, eliminating the need to keep a reservoir of water hot. As a result, tankless water heaters are much more energy-efficient.
Switching to a tankless water heater can significantly reduce your energy costs. This is because it eliminates standby heat loss, which occurs in conventional water heaters that constantly reheat stored water. Additionally, tankless models are designed to last much longer than traditional water heaters, with a typical lifespan of 20 years or more, compared to about 10-15 years for tank models. While the initial investment might be higher, the long-term energy savings and durability make tankless water heaters a smart investment for many homeowners.
Tankless water heaters also offer hot water on demand, meaning you won’t run out of hot water during a shower or while doing dishes. Plus, they take up significantly less space, which is an added benefit if you’re working with limited room in your home.
Water-Saving Faucets
Water-saving faucets are another simple and cost-effective plumbing upgrade that can contribute to overall water conservation in your home. Faucets with aerators, for instance, reduce water flow while maintaining strong water pressure. These faucets typically use only 1.5 to 2.0 gallons of water per minute (GPM), compared to the 2.5 GPM of a standard faucet. By installing water-saving faucets in kitchens and bathrooms, you can reduce water consumption without compromising the performance of the fixture.
The EPA estimates that water-saving faucets can save an average family up to 700 gallons of water per year. Whether you’re washing dishes, brushing your teeth, or washing your hands, these small changes can add up over time, resulting in noticeable reductions in both water usage and utility costs.
Working with Schuler
Upgrading your home with energy-efficient plumbing fixtures is a practical way to save money and reduce your environmental footprint. Schuler Service can help with the installation of a wide range of energy-efficient plumbing solutions, including low-flow toilets, tankless water heaters, water-saving faucets, and more. Our expert technicians are trained to assess your home’s specific needs and recommend the most effective upgrades to maximize efficiency.
At Schuler, we understand the importance of both environmental sustainability and financial savings, which is why we offer high-quality plumbing fixture installations designed to reduce your energy consumption and lower your utility costs. Whether you’re looking to improve water efficiency, lower energy bills, or create a more eco-friendly home, we’re here to help you make the right choices for your plumbing system.
Contact Schuler Service today to learn more about the benefits of installing energy-efficient plumbing fixtures or to schedule an installation. Start saving water and energy, and make your home more comfortable and sustainable with our expert plumbing solutions!
