Going Eco isn't just for that moral high-ground. Those extra efforts towards going green contribute plenty towards your personal health, and can even save you money! In light of the recent energy crisis, it's a no brainer... Here's how...
It's a common misconception that being sustainable can be expensive - let's explore how sustainable solutions can SAVE you money.
Saving Water
Saving water can save you money, and though the obvious steps towards this can go a long way, turning the tap off while brushing your teeth isn't going to stack up the savings rapidly.
There are cheaper solutions to using less water that everyone can easily and affordably add to their homes.
Water flow regulators are becoming more common and, for those who have a water metre, can make a huge difference. They bring instant savings once fitted... probably explaining their popularity.
The most common regulators can be added to most showers and are fitted (easily by you) to the shower head. There are a variety of regulators that reduce the flow of water at different rates.. so definitely one to suit everyone.
When recommended to me, I was skeptical of how much I'd like a lesser shower. We have quite a high water pressure and I enjoy my heavy rainfall showers. Luckily, it reduced the flow of water just enough to not be noticeable, but also save money off our monthly bills.
It's worth trying these since they're so inexpensive. Right?
Dual flush systems
Dual flush systems are more common in newer bathroom suites. You may own a toilet with the two 'long and short' flush buttons already. Go you!
So how do these help? Exactly how you'd think. By using the shorter flush option, you are using less water.
Not a fan of replacing your toilet? Fair enough! There are other options that are completely free. The good old ' stick an empty bottle in the tank' trick works just as well; reducing the amount of water refilled into the system with each flush
These options are not only a cheap eco fix to reducing your water bills, but they also can save you money off of your energy bills - especially if you like a hot shower!
Of course, these methods only go so far. If you want to think longer-term ultra-savings, it may take a little investment to get it started.
Waste Water Systems
Waste water systems don't sound too appealing, however they're clean as clean can be!
They do exactly what it says on the tin. Collects your waste water, filters and cleans it, and then cycles it back into use.
There are cheaper alternatives which involve collection of waste water for use in lesser house hold activities - i.e using shower water for gardening or filling up the toilet. Even this can reduce your water consumption (and therefore bills) dramatically!
Rainwater collection
Rainwater collection goes by the same principle, and since the UK has a lot of it, why not utilise what's free!
The rainwater collected can either be filtered for use in your shower systems, or cycled into your toilet tank. Either of which can be a pricier option, but are known to save people hundred annually... forever.
I don't have an exact figure on how much the latter two options may cost you, however the pumps commonly used to pump grey water (suds from your shower) into your toilet are upwards from £300.
If you're really into it, newly developed cyclical showers (which filter and cycle water) are currently on the market for £6000! Expensive huh?
Even so, £300 forked out for a grey water pump that could save you thousands long-term isn't too dramatic? I'd definitely give the cheaper options a go first.
ECO-RAD
The majority of households now have a towel rail or radiator of some description in their bathroom. They're becoming increasingly standard across UK bathrooms and range in size, colour and style.
Have you ever considered electric?
Though electric radiators often carry the stereotype of being expensive to run, here's a few things to consider.
They can be cheaper.
Electric towel rails (and radiators) are only expensive if used constantly. So ask your self how much you use the towel rail. Maybe a few hours a day? We found that going electric actually saved us money, all because of us using the electric towel rail less than that of the mains.
By going electric, there was one less room for the central heating to heat, and as we don't hang out in our bathroom, it didn't need to be heated so much as our living spaces.
Electric towel rails are often paired with smart technology too. This means you can turn them on in advance (let them heat up before you're ready to hop in the shower) by your phone; leave on a timer; or schedule at certain temperatures. Many electric radiators now have this function, and it not only ensures you're saving money, it also is a matter of convenience.
2. They CAN be in bathrooms
We never even considered having an electric towel rail when planning our bathroom reno. This was purely because of.. well ... we didn't know we could have electric in a bathroom.
It soon dawned on me that we have an electric mirror. But it did mean I had done my research into the do's and don'ts of electric in the bathroom.
The only major rule is that they have to be a certain distance from a water source. This doesn't usually mean sink, more so a shower. They're safe to be in zones 1 or 2 of a bathroom, however the fused spur has to be 360cm's (at least) from any water source. These are usually located outside the bathroom, so that's nothing to worry about.
3. Differences?
Like anything, electric doesn't make any difference to appearance. They essentially come in all the same styles as traditional radiators/towel rails, however can also be a lot thinner and more flush if desired.
The heating time is often faster, as we have found. They produce as much heat and offer a range of temperatures which gives more choice than you'd have dreamt out of a radiator. More is always better than less... agreed?
There is a compromise. Newer electric heating options can be both electric and plumbed in (central heating compatible). I'm unsure on the in's and outs, but know they're ideal for areas such as spare rooms or areas prone to power cuts. This reflects in the price, but for some can be a perfect in between.
Savings on the Spot
If we're thinking of more the shorter-term, there are eco options that can be adopted into your bathroom at the reno stage.
Eco alternatives to tiles can be cheaper (subject to choice) and also offer you much to love benefits, they're pretty aesthetic too! Options such as Lino, vinyl and calk all offer a finish many of us desire, with the added benefit of a lower price tag and heat. Heat? Yes, heat! These materials absorb heat and stay much warmer than tiles, so forget about under floor heating!
There are many examples of more eco options when kitting out your bathroom. To read more, why not have a read of ' Save money - Bathroom Renovation' ....
Does Eco = Savings?
Not necessarily. Taking those extra steps into being more eco can save you money, even if they require a little investment initially. Even if they don't offer any financial benefit, they can offer benefits in many other ways. Most importantly, eco is becoming a new standard across the globe. Why not do it your way?
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