Pump up efficiency in water wells 

AThe energy a residential well system uses depends on the equipment and water use. The homeowner is responsible for maintaining the well, ensuring drinking water is safe and paying for the electricity needed to run the well pump. 

If you’re concerned about how much you pay to pump water from your well, start with an inspection. Like heating and cooling systems, well pumps are put to work daily, and parts wear over time. Regular maintenance can improve efficiency and increase the lifespan of the system. 

Ask a professional if your well equipment is properly sized for your needs, because the proper system design and sizing can save energy—and oversizing equipment can waste it. In some cases, adding a variable-speed drive can save energy. 

Well systems don’t last forever, so consider design and sizing before the existing system fails. 

Hidden leaks 

Things can go wrong with your well that are hard to spot. The water system may act normally with good water pressure and flow, but still use more energy and cause higher bills. 

One of the most common causes of increased energy use is underground water line leakage between the pump and the home. Water lines can freeze and break or be damaged by digging or a vehicle driving over underground lines. Other issues can include waterlogged pressure tanks and malfunctioning equipment. 

Even if your well is in good working order, you can still save on your electric bill by following sound water-conserving practices around the home; and when replacing fixtures and appliances, choose WaterSense and ENERGY STAR labeled models.