Add insulation to your pipes
Why This is Green
Insulating your pipes is a relatively low cost strategy for improving the energy efficiency of your home. Adding insulation—especially to hot water pipes that are exposed to cooler temperatures—will reduce the heat that escapes as the H2O travels from your water heater to your shower, dishwasher, and washing machine. This translates into less energy necessary to heat that water. And less energy consumed means cost savings, fewer emissions of greenhouse gases, and reduced demand on natural resources. Win win win.
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How To
Good news: insulating pipes can be a relatively simple task; depending on what kind of pipes you have and what insulation you choose to use. Tubular sleeve insulation (pretty excellent name, no?) is the easiest to install. Just clean the pipes, cut the sleeve to size and seal with duct tape, taking special care around corners. Pay attention to materials when shopping and seek out the greenest versions you can find.
Foil and fiberglass installation can also be used. You’ll want to be very careful working with fiberglass as it can be a lung, skin, and eye irritant, or you may prefer to hire an experienced contractor.
