As bathrooms tend to be the biggest consumers of water and energy in every household, the principal way of being more efficient is reducing your bathroom’s water and energy needs to the lowest level possible.
Most people are unfamiliar with how much energy is used to move water from a city water treatment plant to a single home. Enormous amounts of electricity are used for this and it constitutes the hidden costs of water. Reducing the need for water can make a large difference in overall electricity consumption.
Essentially, there are four easy tips to improve energy efficiency in your bathroom that will lead to your saving water, energy and money at the same time. It’s a simple switch to a new, more efficient bathroom hardware that may have larger upfront costs but will quickly pay themselves off.
Water-saving showerheads
Most standard showerheads have a 10-litre per minute flow rate, whereas contemporary high efficiency heads cut that amount by half or more. They are also able to maintain stable water pressure without sacrificing the water flow and the quality of your showering experience.
High-efficiency faucets
Similar to smart showerheads, there are now highly efficient faucet aerators that you can install to reduce your water consumption. They are inexpensive and easily installed, enabling a quick saving. They too are designed to maintain water pressure while reducing the flow at the same time. Your only concern is to regularly check for leaks or drips in your faucets so you don’t end up wasting litres of water daily.
If you’re thinking about a more serious upgrade that will ensure maximum energy savings and cut your utility bills long term, opt for a water heating system upgrade that will also add value to your home. In case you already have a gas connection in your home, installing a modern gas storage hot water system will bring many benefits. This system has been in use for over 100 years and with continual development and improvements, it has become very efficient in conducting heat. A gas storage hot water system has the ability to heat up to 135 litres of water in only 40 minutes using the heat from the burner located at its own base. It also has lower greenhouse gas emissions than other systems and lower rates compared to electrical options.
Low-flow toilets
Low-flow toilets have become a standard feature in newer homes, but even if you live in an older home, you can still make certain upgrades. If replacing your old toilet for a low-flow model is not an option, you can opt for a flush convertor. This allows you to change setting just like in dual-flush toilets, depending on how much water you require for every use.
The cheapest alternative is installing a tank bag whose function is to displace the used water in the tank, thus reducing the amount of each flush. Also, don’t forget to check for leaks regularly, as drips in the toilet tank can amount to an enormous water waste.
Bathroom lighting
Finally, reconsider your bathroom lighting. Most bathrooms are overly lit and too bright, which consequently means a lot of electricity is consumed. This can be simply reduced by switching from traditional light bulbs to LED lights. This will drastically cut the energy consumption and lower your electricity bill, without compromising on the quality of your bathroom lighting.
By incorporating these key elements into your bathroom design, you’ll be able to create an energy efficient and environmentally friendly bathroom that will still have all its comfort and functionality, but at a much lower cost.