LITTLE DRIPS THAT READ ON THE BILLS.
By Ahmed Lawal, Professional Energy Auditor (PEA) slight Energy.
The significance of having access to clean and reliable water supply, as well as electricity, cannot be overstated in our everyday lives. These two utilities are closely intertwined, with electricity often being utilized to pump, heat, and cool water, while water plays a crucial role in electricity generation. Sadly, water waste and misuse have contributed to water scarcity and unequal access, particularly affecting millions of people living in poverty-stricken regions, conflict zones, and areas impacted by climate change-related disasters.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 2 billion people worldwide lack consistent access to safe drinking water. In households, water pumps primarily rely on public utilities as their energy source. This means that if water is wasted, it directly translates to increased energy consumption and electricity costs. To promote energy and cost savings in your household, it is vital to address the following wasteful practices:
Dripping water from worn-out faucets: Many households and streets have dripping faucets, allowing water droplets to escape at a rate of 1-5 drops per second. This seemingly small leakage amounts to 20 to 100 liters per day, or 7,300 to 36,500 liters per year. Considering the energy costs associated with pumping and wasting such volumes of water, as well as the carbon emissions from the electricity used, it is essential to repair or replace leaky faucets to avoid unnecessary expenses and contribute to environmental preservation.
Brushing using running water: Brushing your teeth with the tap running continuously is a wasteful practice. Closing the tap intermittently or using proximity switches can help reduce water waste. Leaving the tap running for 30 seconds can result in pouring up to 4 liters of water down the drain, depending on the flow rate. Minimizing water waste during oral hygiene routines is a simple yet effective way to conserve this valuable resource.
Inefficient toilets: Energy-efficient toilets, rated with the ENERGY STAR label, use the velocity of water rather than its volume to flush waste effectively. Older toilets installed in houses 2-3 decades ago often consume between 12 and 25 liters per flush. In contrast, modern energy-efficient toilets use only 5 to 8 liters per flush at a higher velocity. While replacing old toilets may not be cost-effective, a DIY solution involves placing a non-corrosive weight in the toilet tank to ensure the float control senses sufficient water for a flush, thus conserving water.
Long and frequent showers: Taking showers is essential for personal hygiene, particularly during this pandemic period. However, prolonged and frequent showers can lead to significant water waste, with up to 40 liters of water wasted per day. Being mindful of water flow and adopting prudent showering habits can make a substantial difference in conserving both water and energy.
Dishwashers and washing machines: Washing dishes one at a time in the kitchen sink consumes less water compared to using a dishwasher for a single plate. Similarly, washing machines utilize the same energy to wash multiple garments as they do for a single piece. Optimal loading of dishwashers and washing machines ensures energy efficiency. While it is unnecessary to accumulate a large number of dirty clothes or dishes before washing, when the load is small, it is more energy-efficient to forgo using the dishwasher or washing machine.
For a comprehensive energy audit and energy efficiency services, we invite you to visit our website at https://slightenergy.com. Our experts will assist you in optimizing your energy usage and implementing sustainable practices to conserve resources and reduce costs.