Eco-Friendly Remodeling Ideas | Houston Custom Carpets

If you want to improve your household’s environmental impact, you can do so by reducing water consumption. Consider incorporating some eco-friendly remodeling upgrades into your next project. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program, water shortages are expected in 40 states over the next decade. However, Americans can take small steps to reduce their usage by 20 percent or more. Here are six home remodeling ideas that will conserve water, helping you save money and lead a greener lifestyle.

Fix Leaking Pipes and Faucets

Undetected leaks is one of the biggest drains on your home’s water consumption. In addition, moisture in walls can eventually damage the property’s foundation & lead to mold growth. Be sure to check your home’s water meter. Then check again in two hours without using water during the interval. A higher reading means a home remodel is necessary.

Choose Low-Flow Fixtures

The average household uses about 28 gallons of water to shower every day, according to federal energy use numbers. Replace the faucets and showerheads throughout your home with low-flow versions, whether or not you’re currently upgrading your kitchen or bathroom. According to federal Energy Star data reported by U.S. News and World Report, taking this step can cut your water use in half and save you more than $100 a year on utility bills.

Select Smart Water-Saving Tech

Make an even bigger impact by shortening your showers by just a minute or two. Another eco-friendly home remodeling idea is to install a smart shower timer that shuts off the water automatically once a certain number of gallons have been reached during a single use. You can also look for showerhead and garden hose models that have automatic shut-off nozzles so you can run the water only when you need it without impacting temperature.

Get New Toilets

Upgrading the outdated toilets in your home can make a major impact on your water use. According to Energy Star research cited by Curbed, this is one of the most effective ways to reduce water consumption, saving more than 13,000 gallons of water per toilet per year (not to mention about $110 on your water bill).

Live in a home with 2.5 bathrooms? That’s almost 40,000 gallons of saved water a year. You can save even more water by opting for a dual-flush system, which has different flush options for solid and liquid waste. Even repairing your current toilet can optimize its water use if you’re not ready for a replacement just yet.

Divert and Reuse Gray Water

Some plumbing systems can save your home’s gray water. This describes gallons that have already been used to do laundry, wash dishes or shower. This recycled H2O is collected in a vessel and can be used to flush toilets and water your plants. If you go this route, avoid using chemicals and substances that can damage the environment, such as bleach, stain-lifters, and micro-beads.

Upgrade Your Dishwasher

The U.S. News article also reports that replacing your old dishwasher with a new energy-efficient model can reduce water consumption by about 40 percent per load of dishes. If your dishwasher is only a few years old, you can optimize its water use by loading the appliance according to manufacturer recommendations, washing only full loads of dishes and avoiding pre-rinsing, which isn’t usually necessary when your machine is in good working order. If manufactured before 2003, your washing machine is also ripe for replacement with an energy-efficient model.