Water and electricity don’t typically mix, but you’ll be surprised to find just how much energy is used in the bathroom.
There can be multiple hot water taps, ceiling lights, vanity lights, multiple power outlets, and even heated flooring. The latter may not be recommended when saving on your electricity bills, but OnPoint Energy considers all kinds of Texan homes when providing our flexible energy plans.
Our series on home energy efficiency tips has been compiled to help everyone get on top of their electricity bills no matter the time of year. If you need further advice, get in touch with one of our friendly support staff and see how the secrets to reducing energy consumption are simpler than they seem.
Water Heating
Some estimates put water heating at 25–30% of the average home’s energy consumption, making it imperative that you implement the most efficient system possible.
Heat-pump hot water systems extract heat from the air around the heater and are far more efficient than a conventional gas heater with a tank. This is because the latter heats the tank before sending the water to your tap. Any water that is heated and left unused is considered to be wasted energy and presents an opportunity for you to cut your electricity bill.
If you want to go even further in cutting your energy efficiency from water heating, consider installing a solar power system to power the electric heat-pump and you’ll be on your way to having cost-neutral showers.
Taps, Pumps & Shower Heads
Energy consumption doesn’t only depend on your heater, but also the faucets from where we access the water. Low-flow taps add air into the stream and increase the pressure without using so much water. This in turn reduces the volume of water that needs to be heated and pumped through your plumbing, allowing you to pay less for more.
Make sure to check your taps and shower heads for water efficiency ratings and prioritize those with a higher rating. Choosing a shower head with a flow rate that’s 1L/min less can save your family precious funds that can be spent on things other than energy.
Toilets
Due to its frequent use, the toilet can be one of the biggest culprits in energy and water consumption. It’s easy to forget that a toilet even uses electricity simply because it lacks cables or any visible sign of power. However the pumps required to refill the toilet after each flush can make a real difference to your electricity bill, so it pays to really consider this bathroom fixture. To improve your toilet’s energy efficiency, make sure it’s equipped with a dual flush mechanism. This will remove the need for a full flush after every use when this simply isn’t necessary.
Simple Bathroom Tips
Every action matters when it comes to energy efficiency, no matter how small. So, consider these additional tips as an aside to those above:
- Unplug appliances when not in use – It’s dangerous enough to have something like a hair straightener on around the basin, but it can also rack up a hefty bill.
- Switch to LED lighting – We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, your old bulbs just won’t cut it anymore and it pays to switch to energy-saving bulbs.
- Save water – Bathe only when necessary, repurpose your bath water after use, limit your shower time and turn the tap off when brushing your teeth.
These quick and easy tips are sure to reap some rewards when your next electricity bill arrives. Combine these with our other tips from our series on home energy efficiency and you’ll have plenty of cash to splash on expenses that mean the most. If you need any further advice from the OnPoint team, get in touch and we’ll be sure to help you out.