How to save on energy & water costs
Date: 07 August 2024
Economy Savings Tips
It’s a cost-of-living crisis and everyone seems to be feeling it! Plumbing systems and fixtures, gas systems and gas appliances, heating and hot water are key elements when it comes to energy and water usage.
With water and energy prices increasing year on year, we discuss tips and techniques on how you can save on energy and water usage, improving the efficiency and consumption within your workplace or home.
Cost of Living Crisis
Reducing your energy and water consumption and efficiency can help offset the ongoing cost increases.
The bad news: Energy and water costs are only going to get higher.
The good news: We can help with a range of tips, techniques and recommendations to help reduce water usage and improve energy efficiency, minimising wastage.
Water & energy saving ideas we recommend:
Water Saving Ideas | Energy Saving Ideas |
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The importance of servicing
Optimal Performance = Efficiency
Just like our cars perform better with regular servicing, so do gas and plumbing systems. Servicing gas appliances, plumbing fixtures and devices such as backflow not only improves efficiency, it’s also essential for health & safety, compliance, certification, insurance and some warranty purposes.
How Topline can help: Servicing gas heating and gas hot water systems, servicing boilers, servicing hot water systems, servicing water tempering and backflow devices, rainwater tanks, and other plumbing systems.
ENERGY SAVINGS
How to reduce wasting energy
Water tempering – optimising hot water temperature
Why waste energy heating hot water to a hotter temperature than necessary? Restricting the max hot water temperature that’s served at tap level can save unnecessary energy heating that hot water. A hot shower can still be hot if the temperature is reduced – mix less cold with it and save on water usage too. Read about our water tempering service >
Although there are strict regulations regarding the temperature hot water needs to be stored at, to kill any harmful bacteria, the temperature delivered at tap level can be varied. Read about NZ’s current hot water temperature regulations >
How Topline can help: Water tempering devices installed, adjusted, and serviced.
Hot water cylinders – maximise efficiency
Hot water cylinders can vary in capacity and performance depending on the make and model and the age. The average life expectancy for a hot water cylinder is 8 -10 years, with some lasting up to 15 years. Whatever you have, it’s important to ensure it’s running smoothly. If it’s not, our team can recommend an upgrade that will help save on energy and water costs. There are some very economy friendly options available that are more efficient than ever with running costs.
How you can help: Check if your hot water system is insulated, lagging on pipes etc. Is it still fit for purpose? Have your needs changed? How old is it?
How Topline can help: Servicing and maintenance, supply and installation if upgrade required. Conversion from electric to gas
WATER SAVINGS
How to reduce wasting water
Water flow restrictors – reduce water pressure
Q: How much water are you wasting if you have your water pressure set too high?
A: For every 6 min shower, you’re wasting up to 50 litres of water
How Topline can help: Install low flow or water restrictors to control the water pressure
Mains water leak – is your water bill suddenly high?
Q: High water bill, pools of water on the ground, hissing or bubbling sound, or cracks in concrete sound familiar?
A: You may have a water main leak. It’s a sure way to be wasting water fast.
How you can help: Check our water main leak page
How Topline can help: Leak detection, CCTV & pipe repair
Suspected water leaks
Q: Noticed moisture, mould, a musty smell or discoloration on walls, ceilings or floors?
A: It could mean you have a pipe leaking, causing damage to both your property and potentially your health.
How Topline can help: Leak detection, CCTV & pipe repair
Leaking Toilets
Q: Noticed the sound of running water from your cistern or constantly dripping water down at the back of your toilet bowl?
A: Fixing or replacing a leaking toilet can save up to 9,000 litres per year.
Q: How old is your toilet?
A: Older toilets can use up to 4x the volume of water compared to new models
How you can help: Check the techniques mentioned here to see if you have a leak
How Topline can help: Repair if logical, or supply & install a new toilet and/or cistern
Dripping taps and shower heads
Q: Does it matter if you have a constant drip or trickle coming from taps or fixtures?
A: Yes, if you want to save on water costs. A drip or trickle adds up over time
How you can help: Take note of any leaks and get them repaired or replaced
How Topline can help: Repair the problem, replace washers or fixtures if necessary
Upgrading gas heating, hot water and plumbing fixtures
Is your gas appliance, hot water cylinder or plumbing fixture past it? Utilising smart technology developed to maximise efficiency will reduce energy & water costs over time.
The lifespan of appliances and fixtures would surprise most people, and once it is too old repairs and servicing can be tricky if not impossible. Technology is rapidly advancing with a focus on reducing energy and water consumption, so a new appliance, heating or hot water system, or plumbing fixture will generally always save on energy and water consumption.
How Topline can help: Expert advice, supply and installation of a system that suits your specific requirements.
Rainwater Harvesting – capture water and use it
Q: How can you make use of the natural resource, water, that falls from the sky?
A: Install a rainwater harvesting tank with water retention and detention tanks.
How Topline can help: Advice, installation and servicing of rainwater tanks.
Topline offers expert advice and can help with a range of cost savings ideas in and around your property so you’re not spending money on unnecessary energy and water costs. Call today on 0800 111 818 or enquire online – we’d love to help!
