The bathroom is one of the most important areas in just about any home, so no wonder it uses a good amount of energy. Between your shower, toilet, sink and heating, the average bathroom can be quite the power drain.
Luckily, with a few minor adjustments, you can reduce your carbon footprint. Even better, many of these fixes require minimal time and effort.
Unsure of how to get started? Consider these tips.
1. Replace your shower head and faucet
A simple fix for using too much water would be to take shorter showers, but you can also replace your shower head to reduce H2O consumption. Aerated fixtures can inject air into the flow of water, minimizing usage without sacrificing water pressure.
The same goes for your sink faucet, so consider replacing it as well. This lessens how much water and energy you use on a regular basis, helping you do your part to protect Mother Nature.
2. Reconsider your toilet
While many modern homes already have toilets with optimal water efficiency installed, older houses built before the early 1990s may still have inefficient models. Putting in a low-flush toilet can significantly reduce the amount of water you use.
Even if your bathroom was built after the federal government mandated low-flow toilets become home fixtures, a newer model may be in order. New technology in low-flush toilets is a major step forward compared to those from 20 years ago.
3. Use fabric in place of the turning up thermostat
There’s an easy way to trap warmth in your travertine tile bathroom without breaking the bank. Rather than crank up your thermostat, consider simply laying a bathroom-safe area rug near the shower.
You can also use heavy fabric window curtains to prevent warm air from escaping through drafty windows in your bathroom. Windows and doors are the main culprits in home heating loss, so this quick and easy solution is sure to save you big bucks.
You may have noticed that there’s a large gap between the floor and the bottom of your bathroom door. Placing a doorway snake – a long fabric tube filled with sand – underneath the frame can improve energy conservation in the room.
No matter what, it’s important to remember that the best bathrooms will allow a person to relax and unwind in addition to being energy-efficient. After all, it’s nice to know you’re helping the environment when you’re brushing your teeth or getting ready for work in the morning.
