Being eco-friendly is all about being kind to the environment. There are so many ways to be more eco-friendly in your home and to meet the needs of today without compromising the needs of future generations.
- Install a Low-Flow Toilet
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), toilets account for almost 30 percent of water use in the home — more than any other appliances or plumbing — including the washing machine, dishwasher and shower.
Older toilets can use anywhere from 3.5 to 7 gallons of water with every flush. With this in mind, an excellent place to start to eco-up your bathroom is by installing a low-flow toilet. Government plumbing standards for low-flow toilets specify that they use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush.
Aside from the upfront cost of installing a low-flow toilet, you’ll actually save money in the long run. The EPA estimates that homeowners save as much as $110 per year on their water bills simply by switching to low-flow toilets.
- Install a Low-Flow Shower
A standard showerhead will use approximately 50 gallons of water during a 10 minute shower. Compare this to a low-flow showerhead which only uses 2.5 gallons per minute or less. It seems obvious that a very practical way to reduce your water waste is to install a low-flow showerhead.
A low-flow showerhead can help you save in three ways as follows:-
- Saving on the amount of water you use;
- Saving on the amount of energy you use to heat your water;
- Saving on your water bill each month.
Something that many people don’t realise is that this upgrade is cheap and easy to complete. It’s a win-win situation all round!
- Install Motion-Sensor Faucets
Whether it’s brushing your teeth, washing your hands or splashing water in your face to get going in the morning, the sink is one place where water is wasted at a rapid pace. A simple way to avoid this wastage is to install a motion sensor faucet. This installation will expertly judge how much water require and save an abundance of water.
Keep in mind that installing such a device will require electrical and plumbing expertise. Ensure that you’re covered in the case of electrical damage with your insurer.
Making the switch to a more eco-friendly bathroom can be an exciting time. However, any number of issues can arise which you need protection from. A discreet leak behind your toilet or shower could distribute damp and mould throughout other areas of the house. To protect your home from damage, ensure you have house insurance. If you are looking for cheaper home insurance with quality cover then you should visit the AA Insurance. The AA compares different insurance companies to finds the cheap home insurance quotes that suit your need and also suit your pocket.
- Switch to an Energy – Efficient Vent Fan
Keeping moisture at bay in your bathroom can be expensive. Standard ceiling fans average at about 15-90 watts of energy used, which is a substantial amount when it appears on your electricity bill. Energy efficient vent fans are up to 60 percent more energy efficient than non-certified fans. Although they require a more expensive initial investment, energy efficient fans are key to reducing your electric bill and are essential for your eco-friendly bathroom.
- Change your light bulbs
One of the easiest and most overlooked ways of making your bathroom more eco-friendly is by changing your light bulbs. If you’re using incandescent bulbs, it’ll pay off immediately to switch to LED.
Financially, you’ll outlay a little bit more initially for LED bulbs to replace your incandescent bulbs. But you’re likely to save $300 on average per year in energy costs. And one LED bulb will last about 25 times longer than an incandescent – in simple terms, that means a lifetime of about 25,000 hours!