You’re ticking all the boxes: you recycle, you have a dozen bags for life, you’ve got all sorts of insulation, you switch off your power at the wall and you do everything you can to conserve energy and reduce your carbon footprint, right? Well, what about water? And we’re not talking single-use plastic bottled water, or glass water filters here. We’re talking about the very veins that run around your home.
Water Consumption & Saving
There’s the debate about whether or not you could save money and be more water-conscious on a water meter rather than your run-of-the-mill direct debit solution. The arguments are pretty clear: For a larger household with 3-4 (plus) residents with a higher rate of water consumption, a direct debit payment system is usually suitable. But for a single home-owner with a full time job out of the house, a water meter could be a lower cost solution, and it also encourages us to be more conscious of the amount of water we are using. It’s on a meter after all.
There are also a few simple rules when it comes to being water-smart. For example, opt for a quick shower over a long soak in the tub. But do make sure the shower isn’t a lengthy one, or you could end up using more water than it would take to fill the bath. It’s surprising how much water we can use just to enjoy a warm shower on a morning before work. Wash your veg in a bowl of water rather than under the tap, and similarly turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. Every little bit helps.
In the colder months
OK, let’s face it, most months are the colder months in the UK. We consume more energy with heating and hot water in winter because we want to be warm. And insulation is a key factor too. People insulate their walls and their lofts to ensure that heating bills are kept to a minimum, and that our homes are running more efficiently in the colder weather. But when it comes to water, it’s the pipe insulation that is key. An often overlooked way to add a bit of depth to your eco-friendly way of life is to ensure the correct insulation on your water pipes.
Being Water-Smart
Overall, it pays to be water-conscious, and there are many simple steps we can all take in our day to day lives in order to reduce the amount of water we need, and to get the most from our heating and cooling systems so as to not over-use household energy. But looking at options to go that little bit further towards economical water usage can be a smarter way to make your household that little bit more energy efficient.
