The Big Two Of Environmental Friendliness: Saving Water and Power

Households are actually one of the biggest consumers of energy and water in the world, more than agriculture or manufacturing. This is simply due to the immense number of households in the world. However, there are plenty of strategies that we can use, right now, to cut down on electricity and water usage - and therefore, bills!

There are lifestyle guidelines, as well as choices that you can make once, and then never have impact on your life again, apart from delighting in the lower bills. Condensing water heaters and tankless water heaters, innovative home heating products, better appliance choices, as well as new inventions and systems are all explored here.

One of the biggest consumers of energy in a household is water heating, second only to space heating. This represents an average of 25% of your annual electricity bills, and can be cut down by up to 50% by installing a condensing water heater or tankless water heater. You heat only the water that you use, creating enormous savings on your energy bill.

Normal water heating products have a fixed minimum cost - even if you went on a three month overseas holiday, you would still come back to an energy bill because of your water heater. Tankless water heaters eliminate that waste, and minimize your environmental footprint.

Condensing water heaters and tankless water heaters also help save water. These units are usually very small, and several small ones can be installed over the house for the same price as one large, central one. If you use hot water from the tap several times a day, you could be wasting around 10L a day waiting for the hot water to reach the outlet.

A small energy efficient water heating product like a tankless water heater installed under the sink, or in the roof or wall near the shower, could save over 700L of water off every bill. Not to mention 700L that is better off in our river systems and dams!

Saving water is often a lower priority on household lists, as it costs less in utility bills, However, water use can still have a major environmental impact. Rainwater tanks do represent a capital investment, but can often be added to your mortgage (and then add capital value to your home).

Aside from using tankless water heaters, you can save water in the shower by fitting a low-flow AAA rated shower head. In many areas these are compulsory for all new homes built. Grey water systems can then re-capture the water that does run through your water heating system for showers, for re-use on decorative areas of the garden - however not on any plants that are for human or animal consumption.

Insulation is important for home heating, but it is equally important for your water heating. Ensure your water heater's pipes are wrapped in insulation - copper conducts heat very efficiently away from the water! Of course, this can be minimized by choosing condensing water heaters that are located under sinks and next to showers, anyway. Insulation in your walls can save up to a fifth of your total home energy bills.

Around 40% of the average bill is taken up with home heating and cooling, and half of this can be cut off with insulated walls, as well as curtain pelmets and double-glazed glass.

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