Our water bill was getting out of control. 8,000 gallons per month or almost 300 gallons per day. Additionally our water bill was more than our electricity bill in an apartment.

The final bill was less than 50% because of the standard monthly fees that are charged regardless of usage, however usage went from 8,000 gallons to 4,000 gallons.

So we saved over $481 per year, and assuming 5% inflation the equivalent of $33,429.06 over 30 years.

Here is how we did it.

Corrective Actions

Check your bill and target a reduction amount, example 50%.

For many people 50 gallons per person per day is an easy target. And some people especially single individuals in apartments may be able to get this to single digits.

The EPA claims the average water usage is 300 gallons per day for the average household.

Check for leaks.

We turned off all pipes, the water heater etc. then check the water meter and see if the spins.

Then address any leaks, if found. One big waster is the toilet not sealing properly. Toilet Leak Detecting Tablets are great for this.

Adjust the flow rate – Toilets

Free – Adjust the Fill Valve

Free – Add Ballast to Tank

Free – DIY Dual Flush

Short press for urine and longer press for other loads.

Cheap – Add Overflow Fill cycle Diverter

Upgrade Toilet to Low-Flow with Dual Flush

Adjust the flow rate – Faucets

Free – Manually

Free – Turn off water when not in use.

Do not let water run, when not in use. Example when soaping up hands etc.

Install Flow Restrictor

Install WaterSense Faucet

Adjust the flow rate – Shower heads

Free – Take shorter showers

Install Flow Restrictor

Install WaterSense Showerhead

Adjust Sprinklers

Only water when needed.

In winter, in many locations little or no need to water the lawn. Additionally when it rains, no need to water the lawn.

Check sprinklers for leaks.

When on, check the usage by viewing the change in the water meter and correct if high.

Real-Time Monitoring

Often a fast feedback cycle encourages changes.

Education

If you show others in the home how to save and share the progress while saving, they are often motivated to help.

Hope this helps. Save money, live healthy and be blessed.

We had an ever-increasing bill that was heading to $500 per month. It topped out at $304.18 and we got it down to $24.38.
Thank God.

So we saved over $3,300 per year, and assuming 5% inflation the equivalent of $229,824.75 over 30 years.

Here is how we did it.

1. Identify high energy users
   • In our case it was the HVAC system, Freezer, Fridge, Dryer, Dehumidifier and water heater. The builder refused to fix various issues and prevented us from getting an independent evaluation.
   • To identify we used the utility website, which provides usage in 15 minute intervals. Then by turning off the breakers or noting when the usage changed we were able to determine the high usage devices.
   • Additionally we got a watt-meter to check devices at the plug level
   • Finally a thermal camera.
     
2. Corrective Actions
   • We scheduled the water heater and turned off when not in use, such as overnight.
   • We used the thermal gun to identify the areas, that needed more insulation. Then added insulation where possible.
   • We also heavily insulated the water heater.
     
   • We upgraded the Dryer to a Heat Pump Dryer, the HVAC to Solar, Dehumidifier  to Energy star model, Freezer to Chest Freezer and The Fridge and to a modified chest freezer.
   • Additionally we turned off devices when not in use using smart plugs and the breaker to reduce phantom energy use. Basically most devices use power when plugged in and even if nothing is plugged in energy is used at the breaker level.
   • Finally we added solar panels.
3. Lesson learned going forward
   • Design / Pick an energy efficient home.
   • Get multiple inspections during the build or quality inspector for built homes. DO NOT use the realtor’s inspector. Also, if the inspector charges extra for a thermal camera, do not use.
4. Tools that were helpful.
   • Thermal Gun
   • Watt Meter Power Meter
   • Home and Water heater insulation
   • Smart Plug
   • Thermostat Outlet Plug
   • Energy Star Dehumidifier
5. Some Home inspections videos

Hope this helps. Save money, live healthy and be blessed.

Hello internet. 😊
With decades in IT and the medical field combined we decided to share our Best of the Best list.

Enjoy, being healthy and save much money. 💰💰💰.

Home Appliances / Tools

Air Fryer / Oven

Instant Pot

Popcorn Popper

Dryer

Home Tech

Wireless Router

• Low Cost, Dual Wan, VPN and Mesh Ready

Mobile Phone

• Low Cost, 5G cellular, Stylus, MicroSD, USB-C and NFC

• Best of the Best for iPhone, Starlink DTC, All 5G T-Mobile Bands, iPhone SOS, NFC and Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)

• Best of the Best for Android, Starlink DTC, All 5G T-Mobile Bands, Google Satellite SOS, Google VPN, NFC and Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)

More detailed list at the link below:
https://emailmenow.com/index.php/2025/01/11/starlink-direct-to-cellphones/

Mobile Provider

Smart Home – Govee
* Pick the Bluetooth, or Bluetooth and Wi-Fi options.

Home Security – WYZE

Backup Internet – Starlink

Entertainment

Television

• 4K, QLED, Roku has almost every smart TV app and then some.

Soundbar

OTA TV Tuner

TV Antenna

Motor vehicle

Dashcam – Front and Rear

• 60FPS @ 1080, rear camera included, Dual Band Wi-fi and great APP

Rearview Mirror

Blindspot Mirror

Cabin Air Filter

Diagnostic Scan Tool

Miscellaneous

Clog cleaner

Toilet Cleaner

Mop and Bucket

Hope this helps. Save money, live healthy and be blessed.