Green Living Tip Tuesday: Hot Water & You

It is unbearably humid and hot outside this week in Washington. Sometimes it feels like the humidity has reached 300% and we’re all walking through a wall of water. In temperatures like these, it might seem like no one is thinking about hot water, but the truth is that we’re all running for the shower to freshen up after sweating profusely.

You probably didn’t know it, but heating water in your home accounts for 20% of a household’s greenhouse gas emissions. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help your hot water addiction and reduce your environmental impact.

First, if you have a water heater, make sure it is wrapped in an appropriate insulation blanket.

Next, if you’re using water for cooking, heat the water on the stove top rather than using hot water from the tap. When you take hot water from the tap, you’re forcing your water heater to begin a whole new cycle to heat a tiny bit of water. Heating water using gas or electricity on your stove requires less resources. If possible, try heating water in the microwave for maximum energy savings.

Finally, for cleaning purposes, think twice before using hot water. When washing your hands, there is no scientific evidence that proves hot water does a better job than cold water in removing germs. It is almost always unnecessary to run the clothing washer on hot, after many improvements in the efficacy of laundry detergents. If you’re replacing your dishwasher soon, look for one that has a water heating element inside the unit rather than relying on your supply of hot water.

I can’t help you beat the heat outside, but these tips should help you beat the impact of your hot water inside.

Photo Credit: Flickr CC User Night Owl City