After space heating and cooling, heating water is the third largest expense in your home. It typically accounts for about 12 percent of your utility expenses.

Water and energy are used every day in so many ways, that we often take for granted just how important they are.

Here are some surprising facts for you to consider:

• In one week a family of four, each showering for five minutes a day, uses 700 gallons of water. That’s equivalent to a three-year supply of drinking water for one person!
• Studies show that dripping faucets and leaking toilets account for as much as 10 gallons per person of water wasted each day.

During your Home Energy Solutions Program (HES) visit, the CRI Technician will address these issues, and more:

• CRI will install low flow faucet aerators on your kitchen and bathroom sinks. Properly installed aerators will seal drips, saving water and the energy used to heat that water.
• CRI will install newer showerheads that come with a variety of settings and features for increased comfort and savings.  Showerheads over 10 years old typically deliver between four – five gallons of water per minute. Since 1992, legislation has required manufacturers to produce only low-flow showerheads, which deliver 2.5 gallons per minute.
• CRI will install pipe wrap to insulate at least the first nine feet of pipe on your water heater to stem heat loss before it reaches the tap.
• CRI will wrap your tank with fiberglass insulation to keep an extra 30–40 percent of heat from escaping through the walls. If your tank is relatively new, it already has insulation on the inside and CRI will verify this.

In addition to the work that CRI will perform, here are some of the most common, simple and cost effective steps you can take to reduce your water usage overall, especially your hot water usage.

• Fix leaky faucets.  In most cases this can be accomplished by replacing the seat washer.
• Use a thermometer to test the temperature of your hot water at the tap. If it’s over the recommended 120 degrees, lower your tank thermostat according to manufacturer’s instructions.
• If you are going to be away for three days or more, consider turning off your water heater or at least lowering the temperature while you’re gone.
• Toilet tank displacement devices (plastic bags of water placed in the tank) or dams can save nearly a gallon of water each time you flush.
• Check out your local hardware store for additional tips and products that can dramatically increase your water saving efforts at home.

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