Want to save more money? Who doesn’t? With the rising cost of living in Buffalo, NY, every little bit counts when it comes to keeping your homeowner expenses down. One easy and effective way to reduce your overall bills is to target your family’s water use.
All you have to do is be mindful of how and when you use water. Once you commit to conservation, you’ll reap savings right away. Here are our expert tips to help you maximize your savings.
Plumbing Leaks Must be Fixed
It may seem to be a hassle to attend to small plumbing leaks, especially if you have a long to-do list, but small leaks waste a lot of money. Did you know that that dripping tap is wasting 5 gallons of water for each day that you don’t fix it? That really adds up!
In addition to obvious signs of leaks (like the presence of water) be aware of other more subtle signs of a leak, like rising water bills, low water pressure, mold growth, musty odors, damp spots and the sounds of water running in the walls.
Don’t Wash Your Car at Home
In many cases, going DIY is a cost-saving measure. This isn’t the case when it comes to washing your car. Letting the hose run while soaping your car up and rinsing it down wastes a substantial amount of water.
Not only is this going to increase your water bills, washing your car at home is especially bad for the environment. On top of the water waste, the soap and chemicals that you use run down the driveway as well, into the storm sewer and travel back to the local rivers, lakes and ponds.
Make an environmentally friendly choice and head to your local carwash instead.
Take a Shower, Not a Bath
It can be very relaxing, especially in the winter months to retreat into a warm bath.
However, when you look at how much water you are wasting, the thought of those extra bills can be wasteful. Taking a shower uses about a third of the water that taking a bath does.
Greywater for Plants
Tend to your garden, lawn and plants by using greywater harvested from other areas in your home. For instance, keep the cooking liquid after you’ve made supper.
Wash dishes in a basin. Scoop water from the rinse cycle in the washing machine.
Saving water means saving money. It’s a wise financial move to employ these strategies in your daily life.
