If you’re looking to cut down on utility bills, reduce water waste, and make your home more eco-friendly, upgrading your plumbing is a smart place to start. Many homeowners don’t realize how much energy and water their plumbing systems consume, or how simple it can be to make improvements.
Whether you’re building, renovating, or just making improvements over time, here are three plumbing upgrades worth considering to modernize your home with energy efficient plumbing solutions that save money and conserve resources.
1. Install Low-Flow Fixtures
If your home still has older plumbing fixtures, you’re likely using more water than necessary, especially in your showers, toilets, and sinks. Replacing these with low-flow fixtures is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to make your plumbing more efficient.
- Low-flow shower heads
- Dual-flush or low-flow toilets
- Aerated faucets
Low-flow fixtures are designed to maintain strong water pressure while using less water, so you won’t notice a drop in comfort, just a drop in your monthly utility bill.
Traditional toilets can use up to 5 gallons per flush, while low-flow models use as little as 1.28 gallons—without sacrificing performance. Likewise, standard showerheads may use 2.5 gallons per minute, but efficient models reduce that to around 1.5 gallons per minute, significantly cutting down your water use over time.
Why It Matters:
- Lower monthly water and energy bills
- Reduced strain on local water supplies
- A fast, affordable upgrade with immediate results
2. Upgrade to a Tankless Water Heater
Traditional water heaters store gallons of hot water in a tank that constantly uses energy to keep the water heated even when you’re not using it. Tankless water heaters solve that problem. Unlike standard heaters that constantly keep water hot in a large tank—using energy whether you need it or not—tankless units heat water only when you turn on the tap.
Benefits of tankless water heaters include:
- Heats water only when needed, reducing energy waste
- Longer lifespan (typically 20+ years)
- Endless hot water supply
- More compact design, saving space
Although tankless systems may cost more upfront, they pay off in energy savings and long-term reliability. They’re one of the most impactful investments you can make for energy efficient plumbing.
3. Insulate Your Pipes
Pipe insulation isn’t the flashiest upgrade, but it’s a highly effective one, especially in homes with long pipe runs or exposed plumbing. Uninsulated hot water pipes can lose heat as water travels from your heater to your fixtures, meaning you wait longer for hot water and use more energy in the process. Luckily, pipe insulation is affordable and quick to install.
By insulating both hot and cold water lines, you can:
- Lower your water heating costs
- Reduce heat loss and energy waste
- Prevent pipes from freezing in colder months
- Improve water temperature consistency
Bonus Tip: Fix Leaks Promptly
Even small drips can have a big impact. A faucet that drips once per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water per year. Not only does this waste water, but it can lead to higher energy usage if hot water is involved. Keep your plumbing system efficient by repairing leaks as soon as they appear.
Make Your Home More Efficient with Pioneer Comfort Systems
Whether you’re just starting to think about upgrades or ready to install a new system, our licensed plumbers at Pioneer Comfort Systems are here to help. We’ll evaluate your home’s current plumbing setup and recommend upgrades that make sense for your budget and long-term goals.
Ready to upgrade? Contact Pioneer Comfort Systems today! With just a few strategic upgrades, you can dramatically improve your home’s water and energy efficiency.