Table of Contents
This is a collaborative post.
The price of energy is rising rapidly, thanks to (or rather blame) a combination of economic factors. The regulator in the UK, Ofgem, has recently pushed up the price cap, meaning that British households will be feeling the pinch over winter more than ever. This is why I have some Design Tips For An Energy-Efficient Bathroom.
Bathrooms, along with kitchens, require a considerable amount of energy and water to run. If you’re looking to save money, and help the environment at the same time, you might want to focus your efforts on making tweaks in the bathroom so that the environmental impact is also lowered.
But exactly how might you do this?
Choose Water-Efficient Fixtures
Certain fixtures use less water than others. An older toilet might use a large cistern that will dump huge amounts of water into the bowl. By swapping this toilet with a more modern ‘dual flush’ alternative, you’ll end up saving a considerable amount over the course of a year.
Other technologies, like low-flow shower heads and aerated taps, will reduce water usage without actually compromising the performance of the device. They’re a great investment for the long term, especially if you’re contemplating a renovation anyway.
Opt for Energy-Efficient Lighting
Older halogen and incandescent lights are not particularly efficient compared with the modern alternatives. In fact, you might replace all of the bulbs in your house with LED alternatives and have them pay for themselves in a matter of weeks – provided that the bulbs in question aren’t LED-based already.
You can also incorporate illuminated mirrors in bathroom spaces, to make your lighting particularly practical. These devices provide task lighting, so that you can see what you’re doing in the bathroom – but they also provide a good-looking accent for the space, too.
Improve Ventilation and Insulation
If your house is poorly ventilated, then you risk moisture building up in problem areas, like the bathroom. This can lead to the growth of mould, which in turn might leave you reliant on an energy-intensive dehumidifier.
You might also look at insulation, especially in loft spaces and cavity walls. Bear in mind, however, that insulating older properties can often cause them to retain moisture.
Select Sustainable Materials
Certain kinds of material are naturally more eco-friendly than others. Fast-growing timbers, like bamboo, for example, are preferable to slow-growing ones, like oak – since the former can be reforested more easily than the latter. For the same reason, reclaimed wood, recycled glass, and aluminium tend to be better for the environment – and, in many cases, for your bank balance.