High water bills can create headaches for condo associations and landlords. Here are three ways you might be able to save water in your home and properties. You’ll not only shrink your water bill, you’ll also save on whatever fuel heats your water. Tenants will save on their water heating bills too!
Fixing leaks fast is the first line of defense against high water bills. The EPA’s Water Sense program has great information about finding and fixing leaks, including worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and other leaking valves. All are easily correctable. If you have leaks, fixing them could significantly shrink your water bill.
In Boston, we can see if you have a leak through this simple test. Arrange a 5-minute window of time with all the residents in your home or building when no one will run any water. Go to your water meter at the time and check to see if the small red triangle is moving. If you have no leaks, it will be still. If the red triangle is moving, you likely have a leak and should check all toilets and faucets.
Another way you can reduce your water and energy costs is by installing low-flow shower heads. Switching to low-flow could save the average Boston family about $50/year in water costs, and make you feel less pressured to take the shortest shower possible. If you haven’t had a Home Energy Assessment in recent years (since 8/1/2011), you may be eligible for a free low-flow shower head when you have your Home Energy Assessment. Request your Home Energy Assessment now by calling 617-635-SAVE (7283) or on-line.
Even if you already have a low-flow showerhead, you might still be able to save more with a “smart” showerhead. Many people have to run their shower for a minute or more before hot water reaches the fixture. If you tend to do other tasks while you’re waiting, you might end up running hot water down the drain when you’re checking your phone, finishing your coffee or brushing your teeth. A smart showerhead uses a temperature sensor to measure if cold or hot water is flowing. When the shower starts flowing hot, the sensor automatically cuts the flow to a trickle. When you step into the shower, you switch the flow back on and get lovely, hot water without waste.
This cutting edge technology is now available to Boston ratepayers at an incredible discount from Mass Save’s on-line store. You’ll also find huge discounts on LED lightbulbs and smart, surge protector power strips too. A package deal of the showerhead and 4 LEDs equivalent to a 60 watt incandescent is available for a limited time for only $10. Bought separately, these 5 items would normally sell for $90! This is a great opportunity for landlords to shrink the water bills and common area electric bills for their properties.
Recent Comments