Don’t wash savings down the drain
Let’s be honest: Most of us never give a second thought to our showerheads and how they affect our energy bills. Well, it’s time to think twice about them, because bringing your showerhead into the modern age can lead to significant savings. In fact, replacing older, high-flow showerheads with water-efficient ones that use less water while maintaining firm pressure can save you up to $80 per year.
So how do you know if your showerhead needs to be replaced? Here’s an easy test you can do without leaving your home:
- Place a bucket underneath your showerhead and pull up the timer on your phone.
- Turn the shower on all the way using cold water and time how long it takes for one gallon of water to fall into the bucket.
- If it takes less than 24 seconds, your showerhead exceeds the recommended 2.5 gallons per minute, and you should seek out a replacement. Luckily, you can order one that fits the bill online from the comfort of your home.
There must be something in the water
The shower isn’t the only place where a renewed focus on the water in your home can save you valuable dollars. Start by thinking big; the average household spends as much as $20 per month to heat water. Did you know that lowering the temperature on your water heater could cut up to 5% of your energy costs?
Also, keep in mind that washing and drying your clothes is a water- and energy-heavy activity, but basic steps can mitigate the effect on your bill. To run a cycle as quickly and energy-efficiently as possible, be sure to:
- Adjust the water level on your washing machine to match the load size instead of keeping it the same every time.
- Clean the lint filter in your dryer before every load, not just once it fills up.
- Use the auto sensor function — if your dryer has one — to avoid over-drying.
Lastly, those with a pool know that running a heater and pump uses energy. Running the pump for no longer than six hours per day is recommended during the warm months.
Track your progress for your home and business
The good thing about implementing energy efficiency into your daily routine is that you can closely track the results — and not just by looking at your bank account. The FPL Energy Analyzer is a free and useful tool to monitor and manage your energy use, breaking down how you’re doing appliance by appliance and providing customized tips for improving your efficiency.
Did you know you can also analyze your energy usage if you’re a small business owner? Our Business Energy Manager tool provides the same customized way to track, learn and control your business’ energy usage. You can even see how your energy-use patterns compare with similar businesses and track your usage as precisely as by 15-minute interval. Whether you’re in the office or at home, you can always monitor your usage online.