| In recent years, energy efficient products have | | | | you to eliminate needless heating of water during |
| become more elegantly designed as homeowners | | | | times when it is not needed, such as late at night or |
| increasingly want to improve efficiency without | | | | while you are at work. |
| sacrificing the look they want. Today a plethora of | | | | Another way to use less energy in the bathroom is |
| options exist for improving the efficiency of a | | | | by replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact |
| bathroom, from installing low flow faucets to making | | | | fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs. This simple change |
| those seemingly minor repairs that are often buried | | | | can help reduce energy consumption not only in your |
| low on the priority list. | | | | bathroom, but throughout the entire home. |
| Reducing water consumption is a major way to | | | | Although not as exciting as getting new sink and |
| boost the energy efficiency of a bathroom. Installing | | | | shower fixtures, be sure to repair problems such as |
| low flow shower heads and bathroom sink faucets | | | | water leaks or poor seals on air ducts, which can |
| will help reduce the amount of water used in | | | | consume energy unnecessarily. A drafty window is |
| everyday activities. Older toilets also waste a lot of | | | | another culprit for wasted energy. Putting off |
| water, so replacing yours with a high efficiency model | | | | seemingly minor repairs may be costing you money. |
| is a worthwhile investment. Some cities and | | | | Last but certainly not least, make an honest |
| organizations offer rebates or other incentives for | | | | assessment of your habits with regard to water and |
| upgrading appliances and fixtures to approved energy | | | | electricity consumption in the bathroom. Are there |
| efficient ones, so be sure to research whether you | | | | any areas that can be improved? Some simple |
| are eligible for any such incentives when making | | | | changes are turning off the faucet while brushing |
| energy efficient updates in your home. | | | | your teeth or shaving, rather than letting it run when |
| Reducing the use of hot water will help save energy. | | | | not in use. Another step you can take is avoiding |
| Depending on your budget for upgrades, you may | | | | taking unnecessarily long showers. |
| consider replacing a water heater with a more | | | | You do not have to make a heavy investment in a |
| efficient one, or adding a low cost water heater | | | | complete bathroom overhaul to improve energy |
| jacket to help retain heat within the tank for longer | | | | efficiency. Every step counts! |
| periods of time. A water heater on a timer allows | | | | |