Energy Savings Guide: Bathroom Edition

Most of what goes on in your bathroom you’d rather not discuss.

But when it comes to energy savings, hey, that’s a topic you can broach without cringing.

So let’s get right to the top ways you can save energy in your bathroom:

1. Reduce Shower Water Usage

This represents your greatest energy savings opportunity in your bathroom. Yes, you can save electricity, which we’ll cover later. But the amount of energy and cash saved isn’t nearly as great as it is with reduced water usage.

The real problem, however, lies in reducing your water usage without sacrificing too much personal comfort. You’ve heard suggestions to do crazy extreme things like taking 2-minute showers like Navy servicemen do. But, that feels like torture!

So instead, you can reduce your energy usage by installing a low-flow showerhead. You could also simply take a shower instead of a bath.

You could also remember how full you usually fill your tub and then simply use less water than you usually do.

2. Reducing Sink Water Usage

You hear all about washing your hands frequently during flu season. But, that can come at the cost of energy savings.

With your sink, you can install WaterSense faucets which use 30% less water than standard ones. Just look for the WaterSense label.

You can also install an aerator on older faucets.

When you brush your teeth, make sure you turn off the water. If you need to use water to shave, fill your sink up halfway first, rather than letting it run.

Last, check your faucets and pipes for leaks, which can consume an almost unbelievable amount of water if not fixed.

3. How to Save Electricity

And now we’re at electricity savings. CFLs and LEDs actually don’t hold up that well to heat and humidity. So, get light bulbs specially marked to do so the next time you go to the store.

Unplug all your appliances when not in use, as leaving them plugged in can cause vampire energy drain. Air-dry your hair. Let your exhaust fan run for 20 minutes to remove heat and humidity, but turn it off after that to save electricity.

Use cold water when brushing your teeth or washing your hands. When you use hot water, that requires your hot water heater to use electricity or gas to heat the water.

Though a small space, your bathroom still has plenty of energy savings opportunities.

And now you have all the information you need so you can score more energy savings.