Alaska Conservation Solutions

Background

Showers use up around 2/3 of your homes water heating costs. (Source: stopglobalwarming.org) Every time you lower your shower's temperature or shorten its length, you are using less hot water and saving on emissions from the natural gas or heating fuel used to heat it.

• Visit this website for a fun, interactive tool on ways to reduce water usage in your home.

Carbon Savings

Around 600 pounds of carbon can be saved each year by shortening shower length and installing a low-flow showerhead (see below). (Source: stopglobalwarming.org)

Switching to a low-flow toilet can reduce your home's indoor water consumption by 20% (Source: livinggreen.org ) 

Water-Related Ways to Save Energy:

Install aerators on your sinks.  These small attachments are similar to low-flow showerheads and reduce the amount of water coming out of your faucet, while better directing the water flow. 

• Try Energy Federation's online store for these and other energy efficient products

Consider installing low-flush toilets, which use about half as much water as standard toilets.  Dual-flush toilets also use less water.

• Investigate different types of high efficiency toilets here.

Spenard Builders Supply stocks many of these water saving products, which can be ordered by contacting their Rural Sales Department (907-261-9313) or finding a Spenard Builders Supply near you.

The VISTA Energy Program of Rural Alaska Community Action Program (RurAl CAP) offers the following water-related tips to save energy:

> Install a low-flow showerhead (two gallons per minute)—it will save in the electricity used to heat water, and save on the water bill.

> If you have an electric hot water heater, wrap the sides of the hot water tank with a special insulated blanket (available at most hardware stores at reasonable cost). Don’t insulate the tank of a gas water heater as it is a fire risk!

> Insulate hot water pipes, especially within the first six feet of the water heater.

> Keep the hot water set to 120° F—cooler or hotter than that may waste electricity.

> Turn the electric hot water heater off. If you have a gas water heater, set it to “Vacation” or off (relight upon return). If you have an oil water heater, turn it off.

> Take a shower instead of a bath—showers use about one half the water.

> Be conservative with water when washing dishes by hand—fill a sink or bowl instead of running the water.

> Fix faucets if they start to drip!