Afraid to look at your utility bills lately? You’re definitely not alone. And with summer right around the corner, many of us are wondering:
How can I save energy and money without totally changing my routine?
The good news? You don’t have to make major lifestyle changes to make a big impact. A few small tweaks can cut water waste, lower energy usage, and shrink those utility bills—all while being kinder to the planet.
In this guide, we’ll dive into simple, no-fuss habits that save both water and cash. Plus, we’ll show you the benefits of water softeners and how they can reduce your water bill. After all, who doesn’t want to be more energy efficient, especially when it means more money in your wallet.
Why Each Drop Counts in Cutting Water and Energy Costs
The average American uses around 82 gallons of water a day. Most of us don’t think twice about this amount or even whether there are advantages to saving water in the first place. That is, until we get the bill.
Learning how to conserve water can be an easy way to prevent high utility bills and save energy at home.
Along with saving money, a few green living tips paired with an understanding of soft water benefits play a key role in:
- Extending the life of your home appliances, from dishwashers to water heaters
- Supporting local water resources and minimizing strain on municipal systems
- Reducing your overall environmental impact, including your personal water footprint
And the best part? It’s easy to start today.
Easy Indoor Water Tips to Save Money and Boost Efficiency
Indoor water use typically makes up over half of a home's total water consumption. Fortunately, it’s also where small changes can go the furthest.
Here are a few simple ways to save water inside your home:
- Fix leaks quickly: A slow-dripping faucet might not seem like a significant issue. But one drip per second accounts for 3,000 gallons a year. That’s enough clean drinking water to hydrate one person for 16 years.
- Turn off the tap: Brushing your teeth or shaving? Turn off the faucet while you do it. This one habit can save 8 to 10 gallons each time.
- Take shorter showers: Cutting just 2 minutes off your shower can save an average of 5 gallons per shower. For a family of four, that adds up to over 7,000 gallons saved per year.
- Only run appliances when they’re full: Washing machines and dishwashers use nearly the same amount of water whether they’re full or just partially filled. Waiting for a full load helps cut water waste and saves money and energy.
- Use cold water for laundry: Not only is it gentler on your clothes, but it also helps save energy and cuts back on heating costs.
- Replace outdated fixtures: Older showerheads and faucets waste water and can lead to weak water pressure. If yours have been around for over a decade, it’s time to upgrade. You’ll save more water, lower your utility bills, and help protect natural resources. An Aquasure system like the Sparkle Shower Filter also delivers softened water directly to your shower.
One person could save nearly 10,000 gallons of water annually with these habits alone.
Outdoor Water Tips to Keep Your Yard Green and Efficient
Hot summer months can spike outdoor water use, especially if you're maintaining a lawn, garden, or pool.
Here's how to keep your outdoor water use in check:
- Choose the right time to water your lawn: Water your lawn in the early morning or late evening. This not only saves water but also helps you avoid watering during peak energy pricing hours.
- Adjust sprinkler use: Aim sprinklers directly at your lawn, not the sidewalk or driveway. And turn them off when it rains so you’re not watering already-soaked soil.
- Choose drought-friendly plants: Water-wise plants need less upkeep and still bring bold colors and textures that make your yard stand out.
- Skip the hose and use a broom instead: Sweeping your patio, sidewalk, or driveway with a broom works just as well without wasting water.
- Cover your pool: Pool covers are a water-saving game-changer. They drastically reduce water loss and keep your pool cleaner, so you’ll need fewer chemicals as well.
- Wash your car with soft water: Soft water equals better lather and rinse results for a shinier car with less effort. And just like your lawn, wash your car early in the morning or later in the evening.
How a Water Softener Saves Water and Energy
If you’ve ever noticed soap not lathering, water spots on dishes, or stiff laundry, you might be dealing with hard water.
Hard water is full of minerals like calcium and magnesium. A water softener, whether salt-based or salt-free, targets these minerals. This helps your water flow better and your appliances last longer. As a result, your home uses less water and energy overall.
If you want to learn how softeners work, check out our guide: How Does A Water Softener Work?
Here’s how softened water helps:
- You use less soap, shampoo, and detergent: Soft water helps soap lather more easily. It also rinses cleaner meaning you can use less and still get amazing results.
- More consistent water flow: Softened water can help maintain steady water pressure in your home. Appliances and faucets operate more efficiently, using less energy to get the job done.
- Your appliances last longer: Without minerals like calcium and magnesium causing scale buildup or soap scum, your appliances run more efficiently. That means fewer breakdowns, lower energy use, and long-term savings.
- Hot water systems work more efficiently: Scale buildup in your water heater makes it work harder which draws more energy. With soft water, your heater runs more efficiently, saving energy and lowering heating costs.
A water softener doesn’t just help you save water. It makes everyday life better. Imagine smoother skin, shinier hair, clean dishes, and softer laundry. You can achieve this while using less water, energy, and money.
Aquasure offers a variety of water softening technology from our robust whole-house systems in the Harmony Series to our Serene Salt-Free conditioners.
Still wondering if your home needs a softener? Check out our guide: 8 Signs Your Home Needs a Water Softener. Or test your water hardness here.
Practical Ways to Further Stretch Your Water Use
Water conservation isn’t just about habits or hardware. It’s about making the most of what you already use.
Try these simple ways to get more from every gallon:
- Reuse what you can: Don’t let perfectly good water go down the drain. Use leftover water from rinsing veggies or melting ice to hydrate houseplants or your garden.
- Keep a cold pitcher ready: Running the tap for cold water wastes gallons every week. Instead, fill a pitcher and keep it in the fridge. You’ll save water and ease the load on your fridge or ice maker. Plus, it will save money by avoiding the need to buy bottled water.
- Pay attention to your bill: Don’t just pay your bill. Track it. Keep an eye on your water use and make smart changes based on data. It could also help you catch a hidden leak.
- Run appliances during off-peak hours: Using appliances when energy demands are low helps lower your utility bills. It also eases pressure on the local grid.
- Ditch the extra rinse: Soft water means cleaner dishes and clothes the first time around. Skipping an extra rinse cycle saves about 5 gallons of water per wash. That adds up quickly especially in homes that run daily loads of laundry or dishes.
Curious about how much water you’re using whether it be outdoors or inside? Track your water usage by hand, or try a water footprint calculator to identify areas where you can be more efficient.
Final Thoughts: Smarter Water Routines, Real-World Results
No matter where you start, eco-friendly water use comes down to simple steps that go a long way. And, combined with smart upgrades, you can lower your water bill, use less water, and extend the life of your appliances
Ready to take the next step? Try a quick water hardness test and explore your softener options. At Aquasure, we offer traditional and salt-free softeners in sizes that work for any home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I save water and energy at home with simple changes?
Fix leaks quickly, turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth, shorten your showers, and only run full loads in dishwashers and washing machines. These habits can have a lasting impact without major lifestyle changes.
What are the best water-saving habits for outdoors?
Water your lawn early or late in the day. Sweep driveways instead of hosing them down. Plant drought-tolerant landscaping. Don’t forget to cover your pool when not in use to prevent significant water loss.
How does installing a water softener impact water use and household appliance efficiency?
A water softener helps your home appliances run more efficiently by reducing mineral buildup. Appliances like water heaters and dishwashers not only work better, but last longer, all while saving water and energy. Need help setting up your softener? Check out this guide on How To Install a Water Softener by Aquasure.
What are some easy ways to track my water usage at home?
Start by reading your water meter regularly to monitor usage trends. You can also check your water bill for monthly consumption and look for any sudden increases. Additionally, many utilities offer online tools or apps to track usage and provide tips for cutting back.
