How to Cut Energy Costs in your Bathroom

With the rising cost of living, most of us are trying to be more mindful of our energy bills. This gets more difficult as we head into winter, as there is a greater need to keep our homes warm and well-lit. To make things a bit easier, our guide will suggest ways to reduce energy costs in your bathroom, from switching to energy-efficient lightbulbs to more economical heating.

Replace your bath with a shower

Although most of us love a long hot soak in the bath, it may not be the best option if you are trying to cut energy costs. We recommend switching to a shower this winter as they use far less hot water and therefore cost less to use than baths. Surprisingly, electric showers are one of the most economical. They rapidly heat only the water you need as it flows towards the shower head, so you don't need to switch on your hot water supply. They also use about 3 and 10 litres per minute, whereas mixer showers generally use between up to 30 litres per minute. Many electric showers even have an eco setting which allows you to use less hot water.

Another option is to install a specially designed eco-shower which helps to conserve water and energy. We stock a wide range of eco-showers by Triton which allow you to restrict the temperature and flow of your water.

While showers are more economical than baths, you should still be careful of how long you spend in showering each day. Ideally, a shower should last no more than 10 minutes. If this is not possible, even reducing your showering time by a minute or two can help reduce energy costs.

Switch to LED lighting

LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than standard light bulbs, saving you money on electricity bills. They also provide the best task lighting so you can groom, brush your teeth, and apply makeup with precision.

Shop our range of LED Bulbs to find one that’s compatible with your lighting fixture. Or if you have the budget, why not treat yourself to some brand-new, stylish lighting? All Josef Martin and most Forum lighting fixtures have LED settings, so they help to save energy and look great while doing it! With a wide variety of wall, ceiling, and cabinet lights available in both ranges, it's easy to find a product that enhances your existing décor.

Insulating flooring

Want to keep the heat in and save money this winter? Install a flooring solution that has heat-insulating properties. For example, laminate flooring is a temperature-absorbent material. You can also increase the insulating properties of laminate flooring by using an underlay.

Underlay is a layer fitted on top of the subfloor and underneath solid, engineered wood or laminate flooring. It acts as a thermal insulator to help to retain the heat in your home, so you don’t have to keep the heating on for as long or as high.

Alternatively, vinyl flooring has great insulating properties. Compared to hardwood or tile, it warms up rather quickly. Our vinyl flooring replicates more expensive flooring solutions such as wood, tile, and stone. This is perfect if you want the appearance of luxury flooring while helping to lower your energy bills.

Energy efficient radiators

Heating uses the most energy in the home, so choosing an efficient radiator is very important.

Electric radiators are ideal, as it means you can heat the bathroom without turning on the central heating for your entire home. With a central heating system, a certain amount of energy is wasted as the hot water travels through the pipes in the walls of the house.

Radiators come in a range of different materials, so make sure you choose the most energy-efficient option. Aluminium is an excellent conductor of heat, so it heats up very quickly. This means less energy is used in bringing your radiator up to temperature, compared to other radiator materials. Our Aluminum Radiators come in a huge variety of designs, so they can be a stylish design feature as well economical.

Since dust and grime inhibit the flow of heat, we also recommend dusting or vacuuming the surface of your new radiator regularly.

Install thermostatic radiator valves

Thermostatic Radiator Valves are a quick and easy way to regulate the temperature of your radiator so you can control the heating within an individual room. This means you can manually adjust the radiator in your bathroom, helping you to reduce your bathroom’s energy consumption and lower your bills. We stock both angled and straight valves, so all types of radiators are catered for.

Bleed your radiator

Air pockets can become trapped inside radiators over time, obstructing the flow of water inside them and making them less energy efficient. Bleeding your radiator lets this trapped air out and can make a big difference to your heating bills. It's a clear sign that your radiator needs bleeding if certain areas feel cold to the touch (especially the very top) or if noises are coming from the pipes.

Taps

Do you have a leaky tap? This means you could be wasting a lot of hot water, so we advise that you tighten things up to eliminate any leaks. Contact a plumber if you are unsure where to start – you don’t want to make things worse!

If your tap keeps leaking, you might need to replace it with a new one. A low-pressure tap is ideal for cutting energy costs as it restricts the amount of water you use. Low-pressure taps are a must for a low-pressure water system, but they will also work with high-pressure systems (although if there is any doubt, check with a plumber first). We offer low-pressure taps in a range of styles and finishes from sleek chrome to vintage gold, so you are sure to find right tap for your décor

No matter what tap you choose, it's important to be mindful of how much water you use during daily bathroom tasks. To avoid wasting hot water, turn off your tap while brushing your teeth and lathering your face or hands with soap. You can turn it back on to rinse!

Ready to reduce your bathroom’s energy consumption? Browse our full range of bathroom ware online to find the best energy-efficient options for your space. If you need assistance with your purchase, don’t hesitate to Contact Us or visit one of our showrooms on the island of Ireland. We are always happy to help!

We recommend checking out the Energy Saving Trust for further information on cutting energy costs on your home. Their expert advice can help make your home more energy efficient, reducing your carbon emissions and lowering your energy bills.