Efficiency 101: How to Make Your Home “Green”

As homeowners, we always look for ways to save money and live sustainably. Making your home “green” is an excellent way to do both, and it starts with efficiency. With quick swaps throughout your home, you can make a big difference in your energy usage, reduce your carbon footprint, and save money on utilities.

This blog will share easy plumbing upgrades that can significantly impact your home’s efficiency.

1. Upgrade to Low-Flow Fixtures

One of the easiest and most effective ways to upgrade your home’s plumbing for efficiency is to install low-flow fixtures in your bathroom and kitchen. Low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators reduce the amount of water used while still allowing you to enjoy a full, satisfying stream of water. These fixtures are easy to install and can significantly impact your water bill. Plus, using less water means less energy is needed to heat it, which saves your energy bill. Low-flow fixtures can reduce water usage by up to 60% and help save money in the long run.

2. Switch to a Dual-Flush Toilet

Toilets account for up to 30% of a household’s water use. Replacing an old toilet with a dual-flush model can significantly affect water and energy savings. Dual-flush toilets have two buttons that allow you to choose either a low-volume flush (for liquid waste) or a high-volume flush (for solid waste). This technology requires less water to flush, which can save a household up to 26,000 gallons of water per year, but still provides the power needed to clear the waste.

3. Install a Hot Water Recirculation Pump

Waiting for hot water to reach the faucet or shower can be frustrating and wasteful. Hot water recirculating pumps can instantly deliver hot water to the tap, reducing the amount of water wasted while waiting for hot water. Installing a pump under your kitchen or bathroom sink will help distribute hot water throughout the house, and users won’t have to run the water and wait for it to heat up.

4. Fix Leaks Immediately

Leaky faucets, pipes, or toilets should be fixed immediately. These minor problems are easy to ignore or forget but can contribute to significant water waste over time. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, household leaks can waste over 1 trillion gallons of water across the US annually.

In addition to wasting water, leaks can also cause damage to your home and inflate the cost of your water bill. If you’re unsure if you have a leak, read your water meter before and after two hours when no water is being used. If the reading has changed, you likely have a leak and should contact a plumber for repairs.

5. Switch to Tankless Water Heater

Traditional water heaters store hot water in a tank and use energy to heat it continuously. In contrast, a tankless water heater heats the water as it flows through the pipe instead of storing it. Tankless water heaters can be more energy-efficient than traditional ones because they only use energy when hot water is needed. Not only do tankless heaters save on energy consumption, but they also save on space and money in the long run, as they last longer than traditional water heaters.

San Jose Plumbing Services

If you’re ready to make your home more efficient with updated plumbing fixtures, the team at EJ Plumbing in San Jose is here to help. We offer a range of services, from fixing leaks to installing tankless water heaters, to help you reduce your environmental impact and save money. Don’t hesitate to contact us at and take the first step in creating a more sustainable and efficient home.