Resource Library/Home/Conservation

From Green Needham

This section corresponds to Action #10 of the 10% Challenge MyPlan.

Energy Saving Tips. For most homes, approximately 15% of home energy use goes to heating water.

• Try this water-saving dishwashing method. Put only about an inch or two of water in the dishpan (with dishwashing liquid). As you rinse, let this water go into the dishpan. By the time you are done, the dishpan will be nearly full.

• When replacing washing machines, look for Energy Star models.

• Consider solar when replacing your water heater. On average, a solar water heater will reduce your water heating bills from 50%–80%. Also, because the sun is free, you're protected from future fuel shortages and price hikes. Check out www.nesea.org to get started.

• Take a "navy shower" According to wikipedia:

"A navy shower (or "sea shower") is a method of showering that allows for significant conservation of water and energy. The steps in a basic navy shower are:

  1. turn on the water
  2. immediately wet the body
  3. turn off the water
  4. soap up and scrub
  5. turn the water back on and rinse off the soap

The total time for the water being on is typically under two minutes.

Navy showers originated on naval ships, where supplies of fresh water were often scarce. Using this method, crew members were able to stay clean, while conserving their limited water supply. The idea has been adopted by many people who wish to conserve water and the energy needed to heat the water, for both environmental and economic reasons. Maritime cruisers often take navy showers when they aren't in a port with easy access to fresh water. A ten-minute shower takes as much as 230 L (60 U.S. gallons) of water, while a navy shower usually takes as little as 11 L (3 U.S. gallons); one person can save 56,000 L (15,000 U.S. gallons) per year.[1]"

Make sure your water heater is not set too high.

NStar recommendation: "Turn your water heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to save money on your electricity bill. If you have children in the house, this is also a safety measure."

If you're unsure about how to change your water heater temperature, consult a professional.

• U.S. Department of Energy Consumer Guide: "Although some manufacturers set water heater thermostats at 140ºF, most households usually only require them set at 120ºF. Water heated at 140ºF also poses a safety hazard—scalding. However, if you have a dishwasher without a booster heater, it may require a water temperature within a range of 130ºF to 140ºF for optimum cleaning.

• Reducing your water temperature to 120ºF also slows mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes. This helps your water heater last longer and operate at its maximum efficiency.

• Consult your water heater owner's manual for instructions on how to operate the thermostat. You can find a thermostat dial for a gas storage water heater near the bottom of the tank on the gas valve. Electric water heaters, on the other hand, may have thermostats positioned behind screw-on plates or panels. As a safety precaution, shut off the electricity to the water heater before removing/opening the panels. Keep in mind that an electric water heater may have two thermostats—one each for the upper and lower heating elements.

• Mark the beginning temperature and the adjusted temperature on the thermostat dial for future reference. After turning it down, check the water temperature with a thermometer at the tap farthest from the water heater. Thermostat dials are often inaccurate. Several adjustments may be necessary before you get the right temperature.

• If you plan to be away from home for at least 3 days, turn the thermostat down to the lowest setting or completely turn off the water heater. To turn off an electric water heater, switch off the circuit breaker to it. For a gas water heater, make sure you know how to safely relight the pilot light before turning it off."