October is National Energy Awareness Month: How to Save Money and Energy with Some Simple Plumbing Upgrades

Hey everyone, it's Troy from Latitude 44 Plumbing & Heating. I know it’s been a rough year for a lot of folks, and with energy costs on the rise, every little bit of savings helps, right? That’s why I wanted to take a minute to talk about National Energy Awareness Month this October. It’s the perfect time to think about how we can all save on energy and cut down those utility bills—especially as we gear up for colder weather here in Minnesota.

So, here are a few tips I recommend to keep your home running smoothly and your wallet a little fuller.

Think About Upgrading to a Tankless Water Heater

Most people don’t realize that their old water heater is burning energy even when they’re not using hot water. Traditional water heaters keep a tank full of hot water 24/7—so that’s energy (and money!) being used constantly. Switching to a tankless water heater heats water only when you need it. It’s a bit of an upfront investment, but it can save you up to 30% on your energy bills. And trust me, over time, that’s money back in your pocket.

Replace That Old Boiler

If your boiler is pushing 15 years or older, it might be time to think about a replacement. Newer boilers are way more energy-efficient, meaning they use less fuel to keep your home warm. I’ve seen customers save a lot of money on heating bills after upgrading. Plus, replacing it now means you’ll avoid that last-minute emergency when it quits during the middle of winter. No one wants that surprise!

Don’t Forget About Insulation

It’s not just about big upgrades—something as simple as insulating your pipes or water heater can make a huge difference. Proper insulation helps keep heat in, meaning your system doesn’t have to work as hard (or use as much energy) to do its job. It’s also great for keeping your pipes from freezing in those deep winter freezes. A little insulation goes a long way, and it’s a pretty inexpensive way to boost efficiency.

Save Even More with a Smart Thermostat

This might not be a plumbing upgrade, but adding a smart thermostat can help cut down on your heating costs, too. You can program it to lower the heat when you're asleep or out of the house, and it’ll automatically adjust to keep your home energy-efficient. Pair that with an efficient plumbing and heating system, and you’ll really see the savings add up.

Get a 44-Point Inspection

If you're not sure where your energy is going, we’re happy to come take a look. With our 44-point inspection, we'll take a look at your plumbing systems to see where you might be losing energy and money. From old pipes to outdated boilers, we can spot ways to improve your setup so you get the most out of every dollar.

Bottom Line? Save Now and Be Ready for Winter.

I know budgets are tight for a lot of families this year. But with a few proactive changes to your plumbing and heating systems, you can lower those utility bills and save yourself a lot of stress down the road. If you’re interested in making some upgrades or want to chat about the best way to prep for winter, give me a call. I’m happy to help!

Stay warm and take care,
Troy