Improve Energy Efficiency in Your Brooklyn Home

Earth Day has already come and gone, but homeowners can benefit year-round from reducing household water and energy usage.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average family spends about $2,200 per year on utility bills.  We’re sure our Brooklyn neighbors would rather spend their money on other things, so here are some tips on cutting energy use.

Water-Saving Tips

Cutting down on water usage is an easy way to save money. Investing in modern energy-efficient bathroom and kitchen appliances and fixtures can pay off quickly. In the bathroom, installing a modern toilet can save as much as 10,000 gallons of water per year. The newer models can use as little as 20 percent of the water per flush used by outdated models. Replacing older faucets and showerheads with WaterSense-labeled versions will also help reduce water consumption.

Heating Water Burns Money

As much as 30 percent of home energy usage is related to heating water. By insulating the pipes in your Brooklyn or Manhattan home, you can limit wasted energy. For even greater savings, install a tankless water heater, which can be 24 to 34 percent more energy efficient than conventional types. A tankless version only heats water as it is needed, instead of burning money by keeping a tank of water heated all the time.

Other household tips

There are other easy ways to save money on energy usage:

• Change filters. Dirty filters make HVAC systems, whether furnaces or air conditioning, work harder whatever the season. Be sure to check and replace them on a schedule according to manufacturer’s specifications.
• Find and seal leaks. Seal any gaps in windows and doors with caulk or weather-stripping to cut down on heating and cooling costs.
• Light fixtures. Modern ENERGY STAR® certified LED lights are far more energy efficient than other types of bulbs.
• Electronic devices. Unplug electronic devices when not in use. If left plugged in on standby, electronic devices can increase monthly electric bills by up to 10 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
• Use a smart thermostat. Installing a programmable thermostat reduces energy costs by lowering or raising the temperature when you’re not home or sleeping.

If you need help determining the best way to save water and electricity, the licensed experts at Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning can help. Regular maintenance will also keep your home plumbing and HVAC systems running at top efficiency. To learn how we can help your Brooklyn household save money on utility bills, contact us at 718-748-1254.