It’s Time to Go Low Flow!

Introducing Low Flow Appliances

What are low flow appliances? What are the benefits of replacing older water fixtures with new, more efficient water fixtures? Can replacing old appliances save you money? This article will introduce you to low flow appliances and their many advantages.

To start, low flow appliances as their name suggests are appliances that use less water when operating than older models. Their greater efficiency is their biggest advantage.

By using less water, you can save money on your water bill. The more efficient your appliances are the greater your savings in water and electricity will be. The reduced water consumption and electricity consumption from low flow appliances can translate into significant savings in water and electricity bills over the course of a year.

Low Flow Appliance Examples: Low Flow Toilets, Shower Heads and Faucets

Toilets are estimated to account for roughly 30% of a home’s total water use. Installing a high efficiency toilet that uses a maximum of 1.28 gallons per flush will drastically cut your water bill. Most older toilets in the United States have 1.6 gallons of water per flush. For even more water savings from a toilet, consider installing a dual flush toilet. A dual flush toilet has two settings, one for liquid waste and one for solid waste. The liquid flush only uses about .8 gallons per flush, while the solid waste would use 1.28 gallons per flush if it is a high efficiency toilet.

Shower heads are the next biggest user of water in a typical American household. It is estimated that showers account for about 20% of t

he total water consumption. Installing a low flow shower head is another great way to drastically cut your water bill.

You also save money on your heating or electricity bill since water has to be heated first. Low flow shower heads use a maximum of 2 gallons per minute. The typical older model uses about 2.5 gallons per minute or more. Low flow shower heads will still provide a strong steam of water and in many cases actually perform better than older models.

Replacing older faucets with newer low flow faucets is another way of reducing water consumption. New low flow faucets use a maximum of 1.5 gallons per minute or less, compared to older faucets which use a maximum of 2.5 gallons per minute.

The Key Benefits of Low Flow Appliances

Low flow appliances use significantly less water than older water appliances. They will save you money on your water bill. Your heating bill and electricity bill can also be reduced since water is often heated when used for the shower or washing machine.

Another key benefit of reducing water use through low flow appliances is the reduction of greenhouses gases. Lots of energy is used to treat, transport water and dispose of water. By using less water overall you can reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from your local water treatment and sewage treatment plant.

Contact a local plumber today and they can provide you with advice on which appliances you can replace and how else you can save money on your water and energy bill.

Don’t delay. Give The Plumbing Works a call at 610-929-8860 to save money and lower the carbon footprint of your Reading home!