Bathroom

Courtesy of energystar.gov

There are many things you can do to save energy in your bathroom.

Vanity Lights
Replace your home's five most frequently used light fixtures or the bulbs in them with models that have earned the ENERGY STAR and save more than $65 each year in energy costs.

The bathroom vanity is one of the highest-use fixtures in the average home. ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs provide bright, warm light, use less energy, and generate less heat than standard lighting. Keep in mind that high humidity can shorten the life of CFLs. To avoid moisture problems, control humidity in your bathroom by running your ventilating fan during and 15 minutes after showers and baths. You can find ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures in hundreds of popular styles, including vanity lighting, at home improvement and hardware stores, lighting showrooms, and other retail stores including online outlets.

Light Switch
Remember to always turn off your lights when leaving a room.

Vent Fan
Install a properly sized ENERGY STAR qualified ventilation fan to control moisture in the air while you shower or bathe, as well as control mold and mildew growth. Run your fan for 15 minutes after showering.

ENERGY STAR qualified ventilation fans are much quieter than standard models. Models that include lighting use 65 percent less energy on average than standard models, saving $120 in electricity costs over the life of the fan. Qualified models can be found at many home improvement stores or from your HVAC or electrical contractor. Also be sure the fan duct leads to the outdoors to prevent moisture problems.

Learn how to prevent moisture problems.

Learn how to prevent mold, mildew, or musty odors.

Duct Sealing
Cover and seal all holes that lead from bathroom plumbing, ductwork, or electrical runs.

Improving your home's "envelope" or "shell" is one of the most important steps you can take to maximize your home's energy efficiency and reduce energy bills. In the bathroom, sealing around drafty windows, baseboards, and floors can help avoid common mold and moisture problems.

Window Sealing
During the winter months, replace your screens with storm windows to provide an extra barrier to the cold outside air. Caulk and weather-strip around windows and door frames that leak air. If replacing windows, choose ENERGY STAR qualified models designed for your area, and save $20-$95 each year in energy costs. With proper installation to ensure all gaps are sealed around them, ENERGY STAR qualified windows can help improve your comfort, cut drafts, and reduce fading of interior furnishings.

Home Sealing
Besides your windows, sealing your home's entire envelope is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce your energy bill and improve your comfort. Home sealing reduces uncomfortable drafts and helps avoid moisture problems by sealing holes, cracks, and gaps in the home. Done right, home sealing could save you up to 10 percent on your home energy bill. You can seal your home yourself with help from our Guide to Home Sealing (984KB), or hire a contractor for professional services.

Learn how to fix problems with moisture on windows in your home.

Shower
A 10-minute shower can use less water than a full bath.

With a new 2.5 gallon-per-minute (low-flow) shower head, a 10-minute shower will use about 25 gallons of water, saving you 5 gallons of water over a typical bath. A new showerhead also will save energy - up to $145 each year on electricity - beating out both the bath and an old-fashioned showerhead.

Sink Faucet
Repair any faucet leaks. A leaky faucet can waste gallons of water.

Hot water leaking at a rate of one drip per second can waste up to 1,661 gallons of water over the course of a year, and waste up to $35 in electricity or natural gas. Fixing drips is a cost effective and easy way to save energy.