Every year, it seems that there is a steady increase in water and heating bills for homeowners. In order for you to limit the additional expense that will surely cause a lot of pressure on your budget, it is best to try out some cost-saving measures when it comes to your plumbing and heating.
In the house
Regularly check pipes all over your house for leaks. In the kitchen, if you wash down the drain leftover food, be sure to let the water run for several seconds after the disposer has emptied. Accumulated food wastes will cause pressure on drains, and will add to your plumbing and cleaning due to leaks. For the shower, use a sprayer that has adjustable flow, so you can switch to lower force when the stronger flow is not needed. This will conserve both your cold and hot water usage, which means lower water and energy bills. Check your toilet as well for leaks every so often. If you notice the sound of running water, the culprit could be the toilet flap, which you should immediately adjust or replace. If you are planning to renovate and change your toilet, choose a model that uses less water for flushing.
When you plan to be gone for more than four hours, set your thermostat three to four degrees warmer in warm weather and colder in cold weather while you are away. Consider adding a programmable thermostat that you can set to automatically adjust to your various needs. They are proven to save energy.
Doors and windows
Consider installing drapes or blinds on your windows for added insulation. This will lessen the need to turn up the thermostat, keeping your heating bills low during the cold months. Replace old weather stripping around windows and seal leaky doors as well to keep the warmth in when it is cold. Make sure you have at least 12 inches of quality insulation in your attic, and consider adding a radiant barrier. Check with your electric and gas utility companies to see if they have a program that offers insulation incentives to homeowners.
Outside the house
If you have plants all around your home, set the nozzle of your garden hoses at the spray pattern that uses less water. Only turn the hose on when watering plants.
Doing these simple cost-saving measures will help you keep your plumbing and heating bills low even when the price of water and electricity increases.
