Your home’s plumbing system is an important part of your overall energy efficiency. Plumbing fixtures like sinks, faucets, and toilets account for anywhere from 10 to 30 percent of your home’s energy bill, so there’s room for improvement. Plumbing systems are also responsible for up to 10 percent of CO2 emissions from building energy use. Fortunately, there are many ways you can reduce these emissions by making your home’s plumbing more energy-efficient. Whether it’s replacing old water-using appliances with more energy-efficient ones or making adjustments to your home’s water supply or drainage system, here are some ideas for how you can make your plumbing more energy efficient:

Install efficient water-using appliances

Water is extremely heavy, so plumbing systems are often designed to collect water from a central source and then distribute it to your home’s plumbing fixtures. This means that water is only used when you flush the toilet or run the faucet, so it isn’t always available to the appliances in your home.In order to reduce water consumption, it is best to install water-using appliances like a washing machine, dishwasher, or water heater that are designed to use less water. You can also reduce the amount of water your appliances use by adjusting their settings. For example, reducing the load size on a washing machine or adjusting the water level on a dishwasher can save several gallons every time it is used.

Change your water supply system

Your home’s water supply system is responsible for the amount of water that enters your house and how it is distributed to your plumbing fixtures. The type of water supply system your home uses can vary, but there are likely a few areas of concern to be aware of when trying to maximize your home’s energy efficiency.First and foremost, if you have a well or other water source that isn't pressurized, you will likely need to invest in a water pump in order to ensure that water reaches your home’s plumbing fixtures. If your home is located in an area that experiences water shortages, you may also want to consider installing a rainwater harvesting system to supplement your water supply.Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting rainwater as it falls from the sky and storing it for later use in your home. This is an excellent way to reduce your home’s energy consumption and also cut back on water bills.

Protect your water-using appliances with low-carbon water

You can also reduce your home’s water consumption and energy impact by installing a carbon filter in your water supply. Carbon filters are designed to remove certain contaminants like iron, copper, and manganese from your water supply, which can cause water discoloration and scale build-up in your appliances.Carbon filters can also be beneficial as part of a grey water system. Grey water is the water from your household’s sinks, baths, and laundry room that is reused in other parts of the home such as gardens and landscaping.Since grey water has already been used and, therefore, doesn’t require as much cleaning as standard water, it can be a more energy-efficient option for the home.

Conclusion

Your home’s plumbing system is responsible for up to 10% of CO2 emissions from building energy use. Fortunately, there are many ways you can reduce these emissions by making your plumbing more energy-efficient.Install efficient water-using appliancesChange your water supply systemProtect your water-using appliances with low-carbon waterConclusion