The APS and SRP energy audits have a prescribed set of standards each auditor has to check. Outside the usual duct leakage, air leakage and insulation checks it is up to the auditor to decide what services they want to provide. At Green ID, we pride ourselves on our quality work and customer satisfaction. We think that our customers get a little more for their money when they use our services compared to other contractors, but there are some efficiency tests homeowners can do themselves to check on their efficiency. Below is one DIY tip that is easy to do and not very well known.
Back east, bathroom toilets were occasionally piped with hot water rather than cold water. It is easy to check if yours wasting hot water. Water heating can be the second biggest energy user in your home and costs will dramatically increase every time you flush the toilet it replaces 3.5 gallons (average toilet water use) of hot water. It is easy to check if your toilets are connected by turning on the corresponding sink’s hot water line. Run it until hot water starts to come out. By the way, this is a good time to take a thermometer and measure the actual temperature of your hot water. Ideally it should be 125 – 130 degrees. If it is higher, the water heater is overheating the water (130 degrees will begin to burn you) and don’t worry about the dishwasher, it uses its own heating element while running. If it is lower, you risk Legionaries disease growing in the water pipes. Anyway, once the water is hot, shut it off and flush the toilet. As it refills, take off the top and put your hand in the water stream that’s refilling the tank (this is clean drinking water and you can touch it) and see if it is hot water coming out. If it is, call Green ID at (602) 684-0462 and have our plumber change the supply to cold. Your wallet will thank you as will your family when you take all out to dinner with the money you’ve saved.
