Use Aerators Cut Utility Costs

Here's an easy way to live a little greener and save a little money: install low-flow faucet aerators in your home. Now, don't worry. "Low-flow" does not mean you'll be washing your hands under a puny trickle of water. Nope. That's because the aerator is like a tiny sieve that mixes air into the water stream. You won't even notice you're using less!

Was your home built prior to 1989? Do the fixtures date to that era or earlier? Then chances are high your faucets need the addition of aerators. Turn on the cold water and observe: does the water gush out fast and unrestricted as, say, water from your garden hose might? Or does it flow fast, yet feel somewhat lighter and fizzier in your hands?

If it's the former, you probably need aerators. Unscrew the faucet spigot (the nozzle where the water comes out) to double check. The latter means you probably have them already.

Aerators are cheap to buy and easy to install, simple even for beginner DIY'ers. The site Green Your has a fabulous page on aerators, with photos, links and an installation guide. Just remember to protect your faucet's finish from scratches: if you have to use a wrench, wrap the spigot in a few layers of masking tape.

Oh, and here's another tip: aerators need cleaning from time to time. It's easy: just unscrew each one from its faucet and soak the whole thing in some white vinegar, then gently scrub. This removes alkaline or other buildup that might interfere with a smooth flow of water.