Conserving Energy in the Laundry Room and Bathroom

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The keys to reducing energy consumption in the laundry room and bathroom are to economize on the use of hot water and shorten the operation of appliances.

Methods to Conserve Energy in the Laundry Room

Energy Efficient Laundry Room

The following tips are provided with respect to clothes washers:

Cold water detergents are as effective as conventional detergents in cleaning clothing
If the water entering the home is exceptionally cold, liquid detergent is preferred over powder – most powders do not dissolve as well in cold water.
Whenever possible, full loads of laundry should be run, thereby using less electricity to power up the motor and experiencing lower overall water consumption.

And, applying some common sense ideas, the clothes drying process can also benefit.

When possible, hanging clothes to dry will avoid using any energy at all and has the added benefit of extending the life of the clothing.
If, on the other hand, using a clothes dryer is the preferable option, then ensure an aggressive spin cycle is used during the washing of the clothes. It takes less energy to dry clothes by jettisoning water than to apply heat to drenched clothing.

Methods to Conserve Energy in the Bathroom

Energy Efficient Bathroom

Energy savings can be realized by merely changing routines around such basic tasks as brushing teeth and washing one’s face. Since it takes a while for hot water to get to the faucet at the sink, particularly in a 2-story building, brushing one’s teeth first, prior to washing one’s face makes sense. Simply turn on the hot water and use the initial cold water at the hot water tap, and by the time the teeth are brushed, the water should be hot enough to wash one’s face. Less water will be wasted as the wait for hot water will be shorter.

The more significant opportunities exist in managing the tradeoffs around showers and baths:

Shorter Showers: Consider installing new showerheads with shut-off valves near the nozzle to accommodate turning off the flow of water and turning it back on without affecting the water temperature. This allows for initially getting in the shower, getting wet, shutting off the shower will soaping up, and then turning the shower back on to rinse off. This type of routine in lieu of a 20-minute shower aggregated over time results in a huge energy and water saver.
Smaller Baths: Filling a bathtub an inch or two lower will not have an impact from a hygiene viewpoint, but over time can have a dramatic impact on saving energy and water.
Shower over Bath: All things being equal, a shower requires less water than a bath.
Leave Water in the Tub: During the winter, leaving water in the tub for an hour or two after a bath allows for the addition of heat to the bathroom. It also adds humidity in the air.