Top energy saving tips for your bathroom

I know what you’re thinking – not another guide to saving energy at home. There are tons of these on hundreds of websites, but it is an important topic, particularly with the current cost of living crisis and the pre-warning that energy bills will rise by around 10% in October. When you save energy, you’re saving the environment too, so that’s another factor to take into account.

From eco-friendly fixtures like low-flow showerheads to efficient heating systems, small changes can make a big difference, especially when combined. So whether you’re planning a full renovation or looking to upgrade specific elements of your bathroom, my below energy saving tips can make your bathroom much more sustainable without compromising on style or comfort.

 

Efficient Water Heating Solutions

We’ll start with the aspect of your bathroom that uses the most energy – heating your water. No one wants to step into a freezing cold shower or run out of water halfway through running a bath, so it’s an important solution that every home needs. But it can be costly to heat water, which is why you need to think about how it will be heated in the most efficient way.

High-efficiency boilers

If you’re relying on a boiler to provide your hot water, upgrading to a modern, high-efficiency model can make a big difference to your energy consumption. This is especially the case if your existing boiler is more than 10 years old. Over time, they become less efficient as limescale and other debris builds up in the system.

A newer boiler will heat the water more quickly and use less energy to maintain it at the right temperature. Make sure you do your research before you buy a new boiler and choose a reliable company that has sensible prices. You’ll also want to consider an efficient hot water tank too, that will keep your hot water warmer for longer.

 

Solar water heating

Never underestimate the power of the sun and the electricity or heat it can generate.

Solar water heating systems (also known as solar thermal systems) use solar panels that are installed on your roof to collect sunlight and convert it into heat. This heat is then used to warm water, which can be stored in a hot water cylinder or used directly, depending on the system.

Heat pumps

Heat pumps are an energy-efficient way to heat water because they transfer heat from the environment (air, ground, or water) to your water supply. They’re a great alternative to a gas boiler and use electricity instead of gas, meaning they can be 100% powered by solar panels.

 

Water-Saving Fixtures

One of the most effective ways to make your bathroom more energy-efficient is by installing water-saving fixtures, like low-flow showerheads, taps, and dual-flush toilets. All of these things are designed to use significantly less water but without feeling like it (who wants a dribbly shower that doesn’t have enough pressure to wash out your shampoo?).

Low-flow showerheads and taps can reduce water consumption by limiting the flow of water while maintaining a decent pressure. You won’t really be able to tell the difference, but your energy bills will certainly show you the change they can make. So you can still enjoy a perfectly comfortable shower and use much less water.

Another consideration is dual flush toilets. These give you the option to use less water when it’s needed, thanks to the double button that sits on top of your cistern. You can actually save litres of water every day by choosing the reduced flow option, particularly in a busy household with lots of children.

 

Energy-Efficient Lighting

Lighting plays a key role in creating an eco-friendly bathroom, particularly when you introduce more natural lighting or LED lighting. No one wants a dark bathroom that’s impossible to see in, so these are your best two options.

LED bulbs, to start with, actually use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and have a much longer lifespan. They come in various styles, including dimmable options, so you can set the perfect mood in your bathroom while keeping energy use to a minimum.

You may also want to consider how you can utilise natural lighting in a better way than you already do. Where possible, maximise natural light by installing larger windows or skylights. This can reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day, further cutting down on energy costs.

 

Energy-Efficient Heating Systems

We’ve discussed energy-efficient water heating, such as boilers and heat pumps, but you may also want to think about how you can more efficiently heat the room itself.

There’s nothing worse than a cold bathroom, particularly when it’s already a room that has cold tiles and few soft furnishings to make it cost. But a warm bathroom doesn’t necessarily have to come with a high price tag. You can upgrade to more modern heating systems that can reduce your energy usage while creating a warm and inviting space.

Underfloor heating

This is a great heating option for a bathroom, or even your entire house. It provides warmth without the need for radiators. As it runs at a much lower temperature, it generally uses less energy than a traditional heating system and can be programmed to heat the room only when it’s needed. This in turn can reduce your energy bills.

Electric underfloor heating can also use energy generated by solar panels, making them even more efficient.

Heated towel rails

Heated towel rails not only keep your towel toasty and warm when you need it, but they can also help to heat the bathroom itself. For an electric towel rail, you have the ability to turn it on and off directly, so it isn’t programmed to come on every day, and this could save you some energy in the long run.

 

Sustainable Materials and Finishes

Incorporating sustainable materials in your bathroom renovation is another way to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. By choosing eco-friendly materials, you can help lower the carbon footprint of your project while adding a unique, natural aesthetic.

Recycled or sustainable tiles

Did you know that you can purchase tiles that are made from recycled materials? Or tiles that are made from sustainbly sourced stone. Either of these options can help to reduce the environmental impact of a renovation.

Water-resistant, eco-friendly paint

While most paint isn’t particularly environmentally friendly, there are certain eco paints you can buy that are free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These eco-friendly painting options don’t have as much of a negative impact on the air quality in your home, but they also come in a durable, water-resistant finish that is ideal for any bathroom.

 

What smart appliances can you use in your bathroom to save energy?

There are tons of smart appliances and technology available – doorbells, washing machines, ovens, coffee machines, plugs, locks, thermostats. The list goes on.

By choosing some smart devices that can be installed in your bathroom, you can save even more energy and lower your home’s carbon footprint even further. This is because they generally allow you to control your energy consumption more easily.

Smart thermostats

A smart thermostat allows you to more accurately and efficiently control the temperature of your home. Unlike traditional thermostats, smart thermostats can ‘learn’ your schedule, adjust heating and cooling based on occupancy and be controlled via smartphone apps, voice commands, or smart home systems like Google Home or Amazon Alexa.

These handy devices can save energy in the bathroom by using automated scheduling, occupancy sensors and remote control features. You could set a schedule that lowers the temperature of the bathroom when it isn’t in use (like at night) and raise it just before you’re due to wake up or get in the shower.

Some smart thermostats have occupancy sensors that detect when the bathroom is being used, automatically adjusting the temperature when someone enters and reducing it when the bathroom is empty.

Motion-sensor lighting

How many times does your bathroom light get left on? Probably a lot, I know I’ve definitely done it before. If you install motion-sensor lights, your bathroom will only be lit when it’s in use. After 10 minutes of no movement, the light could go off. This is particularly handy in downstairs toilets.