Energy Efficient Plumbing Fixtures

A couple of weeks ago we filled you in on the pros and cons of low-flow toilets and gave you some examples of the best new brands on the market. This week we’re going to follow up with some more examples of energy and cost saving environmentally friendly plumbing fixtures for your home so that you can save money, save time, and do your small part to help save the environment too.

Low-flow showerheads operate under the same basic principle as low-flow toilets. They decrease excess water waste while generally increasing water pressure through flow efficient technology. There are numerous different options you can buy at nearly any hardware or store or Target/Wal-Mart and most packages are clearly marked so you can see how many gallons of water per second the showerheads allow.

Sensor operated faucets are becoming the norm in most new public bathroom facilities and can just as easily be installed in your own home. They reduce excess water usage by only flowing when movement is sensed underneath the faucet, which means you don’t have to worry about accidentally leaving the water on all night or feel guilty about letting it run while you brush your teeth. As an added bonus, sensor operated faucets also help prevent the spread of germs.

Solar powered water heaters are quickly gaining popularity in homes and businesses throughout the nation. Not only can solar powered water heaters save you significant amounts on your electricity or gas bills, they also reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere by replacing conventional water heaters, which are estimated to produce almost as much CO2 as the average gas fueled vehicle. Though the solar powered heaters are relatively expensive to install, the amount you save each month on your electric or gas bills each month makes the solar heaters pay for themselves within four to eight years and they can last as long as 40 years.