NSMikeD
Well-Known Member
I have to comment on the water suggestions. I have a RODI system for my reef tank so I have a good understanding of water chemistry and the advantages of making water from 0 TDS water, and the capability for making 5 gals in an hour with the turn of a spigot.save on CO2 consumption: purge kegs with fermentation CO2 and naturally carbonate by transferring with 1-2% residual extract and yeast in suspension.
save on yeast purchases: brew batches in runs, harvesting and using the same yeast over the series
save on grain: buy in bulk splitting batches with others to share the savings.
save on heat cost: use electricity vs propane.
save on equipment: BIAB, no sparge, no chill
save on water purchases: cobble together an RO filter system
save on water additions: use only gypsum and CaCl.
save on acid to adjust pH: hold off adding grains that screw with pH. Add them to hot steep for 30 min once main mash is complete.
save on hops: don’t brew NEIPA
Here's my suggestion. If your water in drinkable, before investing in a filtration system, get a copy of your local municipality's water report. They tend to be updated regularly. If your water isn't hard, likely you can use your tap water with needing minimal additives. I created a local water profile in brewfather (most brewing software will have the same functionality) using the water report midpoints, and then the software will automatically calculate the additions to match the target water profile.
As for cost of epsom salt, calcium chloride, lactic acid, m, gypsum, my software rarely has me adding more the 2 ml or g of any one additives (double for 5 gal batches). I can't imagine these costs have any material affect one brewing budgets.
a piece of equipment that will save in the long run, a vacuum sealer (I replaced an old one with an inkbird model during one of their sales here and I find it performs very well). Items that are sold in quantities that aren't exactly what I need are specialty grains and hops which I can then vacuum seal and extend their life until I need them. Also, I use the sealer for my day to day food storage extending freezer and fridge life thus cutting down on my food bill.