The term "green building" often makes people think about how efficiently a structure uses electricity and heat. While those are both big parts of what makes a building or home green, those are not the only things involved. To be truly green, a home needs to use all resources as efficiently as possible, particularly when it comes to water. Clean water one of them most important resources on earth, and there are many things homeowners can do to save water at home.
To see where water can be saved in the home, let's take a look at where it's used the most. The kitchen, bathrooms and laundry areas certainly have some of the biggest water requirements, but water is also used for irrigation, along with use in outdoor systems, like sprinklers.
Much of the water used in a modern household is through cleaning appliances. Today's washing machines and dishwashers have seen great strides in the area of water-efficiency. Compared to models just a decade old, modern models use far less water. This is due in no small part to the more specific settings that can be tailored to the job at hand. If you are washing a few thin shirts as opposed to a thick, heavy comforter, less water is required. Therefore, the machine can be set to use less for lighter loads.
There is always at least a single sink in any kitchen setup. To save water in this room, you may opt for a low-flow faucet that uses a lower volume of water. However, they are usually able to accomplish this without sacrificing water pressure. Water heaters that heat water as it flows to the tap are a great alternative to standard types, where you need to let it flow in order to get the hot water.
The bathroom is one of the biggest culprits for water usage. There are steps that can be taken to reduce the amount of water that each fixture uses. Low-flow showerheads and toilets are great way to cut back. The amount of money these fixtures save often means that they eventually pay for themselves. Homeowners often relish having the chance to landscape their yard. It can be a blank slate with which to create something beautiful and unique. Having a yard that is both gorgeous and water-efficient is very achievable. A xeriscaped yard is certainly an option. This technique uses plants that are suited to surviving on minimal water and having a mostly graveled yard. If that's not your style, irrigation systems are a great way to water more conventional setups. They are both more efficient and more effective than sprinklers.
Being water-efficient is good for both the wallet and the environment. It is a good idea to look for ways to cut back on water usage, and choose the options that will complement a water-efficient lifestyle.
To see where water can be saved in the home, let's take a look at where it's used the most. The kitchen, bathrooms and laundry areas certainly have some of the biggest water requirements, but water is also used for irrigation, along with use in outdoor systems, like sprinklers.
Much of the water used in a modern household is through cleaning appliances. Today's washing machines and dishwashers have seen great strides in the area of water-efficiency. Compared to models just a decade old, modern models use far less water. This is due in no small part to the more specific settings that can be tailored to the job at hand. If you are washing a few thin shirts as opposed to a thick, heavy comforter, less water is required. Therefore, the machine can be set to use less for lighter loads.
There is always at least a single sink in any kitchen setup. To save water in this room, you may opt for a low-flow faucet that uses a lower volume of water. However, they are usually able to accomplish this without sacrificing water pressure. Water heaters that heat water as it flows to the tap are a great alternative to standard types, where you need to let it flow in order to get the hot water.
The bathroom is one of the biggest culprits for water usage. There are steps that can be taken to reduce the amount of water that each fixture uses. Low-flow showerheads and toilets are great way to cut back. The amount of money these fixtures save often means that they eventually pay for themselves. Homeowners often relish having the chance to landscape their yard. It can be a blank slate with which to create something beautiful and unique. Having a yard that is both gorgeous and water-efficient is very achievable. A xeriscaped yard is certainly an option. This technique uses plants that are suited to surviving on minimal water and having a mostly graveled yard. If that's not your style, irrigation systems are a great way to water more conventional setups. They are both more efficient and more effective than sprinklers.
Being water-efficient is good for both the wallet and the environment. It is a good idea to look for ways to cut back on water usage, and choose the options that will complement a water-efficient lifestyle.
About the Author:
Water and energy efficiency are some of the great strides forward that the home builder industry has seen. At Home Builders has created a name for themselves for their building of new homes in Rochester NY that are both efficient and beautiful.
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