A bathroom might be the smallest room in a household, but it is an inexhaustible source of frugality. On the flip side, many bathrooms weren’t designed to save energy, and we have to plan and remodel in order to make a difference. The focus is on lowering the water consumption with a wide array of cutting-edge appliances and fittings. This brings you financial benefits, while also diminishing the energy footprint. So, assemble a future-proof bathroom from the pipes up and immerse yourself in your soothing watery shelter like never before.

Test the waters

The chief goal is to lower the amount of water coming into the bathroom, and with it, the electrical energy needed to move it around.  Namely, water-related electrical use accounts for nearly 20% of total consumption in a household. The first step is to figure out how much water you’re spending and identify the main culprits behind the squandering. Read the specs on shower heads and faucet aerators or utilize a flow rate bag to conduct a test. Next, turn your attention to the bills and pay attention to detail. The good news is that almost half of the water use can be reduced by simple hardware switches.

Hit the wastefulness hard

High-efficiency showerheads are much less wasteful than their predecessors that featured 2.5 gallons per minute flow rate. The best thing is that the new fixtures maintain steady pressure without sacrificing water flow. They’re so well-designed that you might not even notice any difference. Likewise, these products should work hand-in-hand with high-efficiency faucets. They’re easy to install and shrink the water use by more than half, compared to the regular faucets. With a fast payback period, they are one of the most cost-effective ways of optimizing water consumption.

Flush the problems out

Dual-flush toilets exist in many newer homes, and they have a handy setting which uses less water. Those who do not possess them can opt for flush converters, and change settings according to how much water is needed per flush. A cheaper solution would be to install a tank bag. Furthermore, a washing machine is another water-hungry appliance. You have to choose between a top and front loader washing machine. The latter is bigger, more expensive, but also more energy-efficient. Keep your eyes open for features such as internal heating and automatic water level that trim the utility bills.  

Preserving heat

In bathrooms, people are generally more sensitive to cold. Hence, one should consider creating a well-sealed, insulated bathroom. It is advisable to enhance the insulation on walls of the shower, under the bathtub, as well as cavities around it. Doing away with this energy drain is what allows you to use much less heat. Another crucial aspect is how you heat your water. An Energy Star-rated hot water system is the cream of the crop, as it prevents the heat from escaping the pipes. And if you want to go an extra green mile, install solar panels on the roof and solve the heating problem for the bulk of the water supply.

Let there be light

Bathroom lighting is often overlooked, yet it greatly contributes to your efforts to save money and energy. It’s surprising how many bathrooms are over-lit, with fittings such as five-bulb vanities illuminating a small space. Apart from doing the makeup, bathroom activities don’t require that much lighting, so cut the usage substantially by installing LED bulbs. They don’t contain harmful chemicals, operate on much less electricity, and last way longer than traditional bulbs. Finally, strive to let in as much as natural light as possible with skylights, high windows and glass brick walls.

Smart revolution

The bathroom does not only reflect our ideal lifestyle, it’s a place where we can cut down the water consumption, but also its hidden cost— electricity. Efficiency-rated appliances, insulation, and natural light are your greatest allies in this quest. Don’t forget to do the regular maintenance and inspect the bathroom for leaks and drips that could cost you a fortune. Treat yourself with a smart haven of rejuvenation and let it mark the beginning of the homey energy-efficiency revolution.

Guest Post By:

Chloe is an art historian, recreational ballet dancer and a contributor at smoothdecorator.com. She is passionate about photography, dance and music. Her biggest dream is to travel the whole world with her husband and take stunning photographs of beautiful places. She also enjoys learning and writing about home design, since she is crazy about aesthetics. You can find Chloe on FB, Twitter, and G+.